Progressive rise of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> resistance to rifampicin and streptomycin in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

There has been a significant increase in rifampicin and streptomycin resistance in Saudi Arabia over the last 10 years. Possible causes include poor compliance and wide use of these two drugs for non-tuberculosis conditions. These findings could jeopardize the benefits of the directly observed therapy short course policy which is being implemented in Saudi Arabia. Consideration should be given to prohibiting the routine use of rifampicin for the treatment of brucellosis.