Definition of Tuberculosis, antibiotic-resistant

Tuberculosis, antibiotic-resistant: A variant of tuberculosis (TB) that is not affected by one or more of the antibiotics normally used to treat it. If the strain of TB is unaffected by more than one medication, it is called multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB. Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) is a rare type of MDR TB that is resistant to almost all drugs used to treat TB. A person with any form of drug-resistant TB needs care from a specialist who knows how to use stronger medications. These forms of TB are particularly contagious. Family members and other contacts of diagnosed patients may also need to take medications as a preventive measure.