XDR TB
XDR-TB is a mutated form of tuberculosis which has which has become resistant to almost all drugs used to treat TB. Cases of XDR-TB have been found in 41 countries of the world.1 2
Photographer James Nachtway spent five months in 2008 conducting research on the disease and debuted the resulting video to the TED Conference (Technology Entertainment Design) in October 2008.
Fast Facts
- Stands for extensively or extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis
- 16,000 known cases of XDR-TB in 41 countries in 2007-2008 3
- 160,000 cases of MDR (multidrug-resistant TB)3
- 46 cases of XDR-TB in the US2
- XDR-TB cases result in a higher mortality among people with AIDS4
- 1 in 3 people in the world is infected with dormant TB1
- Only 5-10% of those infected develop the disease, those with weakened immune symptoms, elderly, children, or people with AIDS4
- TB killed 1.7 million people in 20071
- Drugs cost $20/patient and are extremely effective1
- Drug resistant TB is more common in people who do not take all their medication, redevelop active TB, come from areas where drug-resistant TB is common, or have spent time with someone with drug-resistant TB2
How XDR-TB Occurs
Tuberculosis was first identified a century ago, and the drugs are low-cost and effective--but the drugs must be taken for daily for six months. If the medication is only taken for some of that time, drug-resistant strains survive and keep the disease going. Eventually, the disease mutates into drug-resistant forms.1
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have tuberculosis, please consult your doctor.
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Related Pages on Mahalo
Tuberculosis | TED Conference | Dengue Fever | Lyme Disease | West Nile Virus | HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus | Influenza | Immunizations | AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome | AIDS in Africa
