Role of phenotypic methods for drug susceptibility testing of M. tuberculosis isolates in the era of MDR and XDR epidemics.

Abstract

This chapter discusses the role of phenotypic methods for drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in timely detection and management of patients with multiple drug resistant (MDR) and extremely drug resistant (XDR) tuberculosis. The different methods and their combinations, as well as their affordability/cost, are described.