What is Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is spread through the air when a person sneezes, coughs, or breathes. Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is resistant to at least two of the main "first-line" drugs used to treat TB. TB may also be extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) which are strains that are resistant to two or more of the "second-line" drugs. TB primarily attacks the respiratory system (lungs) although it can attack other organs as well. The symptoms of TB include fever, night sweats, weight loss, chest pain, and coughing.

How does TB […]

This content is for Markel policy holders.

Register