| Abstract: | Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. This review is prepared to indicate possible future challenges related to tuberculosis control and it includes previous reports of drug-resistant surveys in Ethiopia. Drug-resistant TB, both initial and acquired, was reported from different regions of the country. In studies from 1984 to 2001, the initial resistance to isoniazid ranges from 2 per cent to 21 per cent and initial resistance to streptomycin ranges from 2 to 20 per cent. Multidrug-resistance (MDR) TB defined as resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampicin was also reported in about 1.2 per cent of new cases and 12 per cent of re-treatment cases. In all studies which included ethambutol susceptibility test, ethambutol resistance is either nil or very low (below 0.5 per cent). All MDR isolates were susceptible to ethambutol. Treatment and re-treatment regimens recommended by the National TB/Leprosy Control Program could be effective on all cases other than those with MDR-TB. MDR-TB is difficult to cure. Therefore, special emphasis should be given to control the spread of MDR-TB. Lack of control efforts may lead to the increased resistance to both first- and second-line drugs. A well supported and controlled special treatment unit, which uses both first-line and second-line drugs is required for a proper management of these cases and for effective control of the spread of MDR-TB. A uniform susceptibility to ethambutol can be taken as an advantage to develop standard low-cost re-treatment regimen for MDR-TB patients. (AU).
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