Service for drug resistant tuberculosis exists in the UK

So far the United Kingdom seems to be keeping clear of most of the international increase in drug resistant tuberculosis, in particular multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).1 2 But how long can this be maintained?3

The problem with drug resistant tuberculosis is that it is still relatively uncommon but gradually increasing. Individual clinicians will have very little experience in managing cases. To help this situation, the MDRTB Service has been established at the Cardiothoracic Centre in Liverpool and has been operational since 1 January 2008. The service has the support of the relevant professional bodies, including the British Thoracic Society, the British Infection Society, and the Health Protection Agency.

Essentially it is an electronically linked instant reaction expert group, who can give advice and direct management of cases across the country. It has already done so in some 17 cases from across the UK. By helping clinicians in the management of cases of drug resistant tuberculosis this national service offers our best hope in overcoming the increasing problem of drug resistance until new drugs become available. The Baltic states have operated a similar system for some years with good success in reducing their cases.

The second function of the service is to collect data on all cases of multidrug resistant tuberculosis identified in the UK, with a view to developing a consensus on the most effective methods of treatment in this emerging area. The data collection will also help assess outcomes of patients.

The service can be contacted by email (MDRTBservice{at}ctc.nhs.uk) or by phone (0151 600 1427).