Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Transmission and Resistance Amplification within Families

Abstract

Drug-resistant tuberculosis is caused by transmission of resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and by acquisition of resistance through inadequate treatment. We investigated the clinical and molecular features of the disease in 2 families after drug-resistant tuberculosis was identified in 2 children. The findings demonstrate the potential for resistance to be transmitted and amplified within families.

Keywords

• tuberculosis and other mycobacteria
• child
• antimicrobial resistance
• familial transmission
• Tuberculosis
• drug resistance