RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 An update on multidrug-resistant tuberculosis  JF Clinical Medicine JO Clin Med FD Royal College of Physicians SP 135 OP 139 DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.19-2-135 VO 19 IS 2 A1 Mirae Park A1 Giovanni Satta A1 Onn Min Kon YR 2019 UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/19/2/135.abstract AB Of the 10 million incident cases of tuberculosis (TB) globally in 2017, around 558,000 cases were rifampicin-resistant of which 82% were multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB. In England, 5,102 cases were recorded of which 55 cases (1.8%) were MDR-TB. MDR-TB cases have worse outcomes and are a serious public health issue.Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests allow a faster approach to diagnose TB and predict drug susceptibility. The emerging use of whole genome sequencing may improve the diagnostic workflow compared with standard drug susceptibility testing, with more rapid molecular sensitivity results and more precise contact investigation of linked cases.Treatment of MDR-TB remains a challenge as it relies on prolonged second-line drug treatments that are less effective and more toxic than first-line treatments. Two new drug treatments have been approved; bedaquiline and delamanid. In addition, a shorter treatment regimen of 9–12 months can be considered instead of the conventional 20–24 month regimen.