Review

The molecular basis of resistance to isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Akos Somoskovi^1,2, Linda M Parsons¹ and Max Salfinger^1,3,4

¹Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA

²Department of Respiratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary

³Department of Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA

⁴Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA

author email corresponding author email

Respiratory Research 2001, 2:164-168doi:10.1186/rr54

Published:	5 April 2001

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have emerged worldwide. In many countries and regions, these resistant strains constitute a serious threat to the efficacy of tuberculosis control programs. An important element in gaining control of this epidemic is developing an understanding of the molecular basis of resistance to the most important antituberculosis drugs: isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide. On the basis of this information, more exacting laboratory testing, and ultimately more appropriate and timely treatment regimens, can be developed.