Is the eradication of mycobacterioses possible ?

Abstract

Almost every major success through treatment with antibiotics opens new discussions about the eradication of the diseases. The overwhelming success of rifampicin, a powerful bactericidal drug introduced into the treatment of tuberculosis in the early seventies, raised hopes for the possible eradication of this disease. A small part of the mycobacterial population bearing primary resistance, together with irregular use of the drug during the treatment of tuberculosis in undeveloped countries soon resulted in germs resistant to rifampicin. According to a WHO report (WHO/LEP/96.1), the acquired resistance to chemotherapy with regimens containing rifampicin increased by up to 30% in newly registered cases.