WHO Updates Definition of DR and XDR-TB

The definition of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) has been revised by the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Global TB Programme, who have also defined pre-XDR-TB for the first time, highlighting the seriousness of these forms of TB. New definitions for pre-XDR and XDR-TB will help to define more precisely groups of TB patients who require complex treatment regimens. These new definitions are also expected to lead to better reporting, surveillance and monitoring of drug-resistant TB in countries. They may also stimulate the development of better treatment regimens for these dangerous forms of TB disease. Read about it here.