A Case of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in a Young Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) represent a critical global health challenge. MDR TB is characterized by resistance to isoniazid and rifampin, two key first-line anti-TB drugs [1]. XDR TB is characterized by its resistance to isoniazid, rifampin, any fluoroquinolone, and at least one injectable drug, rendering it impervious to most first- and second-line treatment options [1]. Below, we present a case of a patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who was diagnosed with pulmonary TB and was found to have MDR TB.