First-Line Treatment of TB for Drug-Sensitive TB
Tuberculosis, which results from an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can be cured with a combination of first-line drugs taken daily for several months.
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) and Second-Line Treatments
Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR TB) - Options for Treatment
XDR TB occurs when a Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain is resistant to isoniazid and rifampin, two of the most powerful first-line drugs, as well as key drugs of the second line regimen—any fluoroquinolone and at least one of the three injectable drugs shown above. XDR TB strains may also be resistant to additional drugs, greatly complicating therapy.
New Candidate TB Drugs Under Development
Mechanisms of Action of Current TB Drugs
Tuberculosis drugs target various aspects of Mycobacterium tuberculosis biology, including inhibition of cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, or nucleic acid synthesis. For some drugs, the mechanisms of action have not been fully identified.
Mechanisms of Action of TB Drugs Under Development
Tuberculosis drugs target various aspects of Mycobacterium tuberculosis biology, including inhibition of cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, or nucleic acid synthesis. For some drugs, the mechanisms of action have not been fully identified.
About the Illustrations
The photo of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC/Dr. Ray Butler, Janice Carr. This illustration is in the public domain. Please credit the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
Additional TB Information
- Working Group on New TB Drugs
- Handbook of Anti-Tuberculosis Agents (PDF) 2008
- TB Alliance