AMR and tuberculosis: Voldemort returns?

Abstract

There has been significant progress in implementing global tuberculosis (TB) control strategies in the last decade. Indeed, in all but sub-Saharan Africa, the incidence of TB appears to be declining. While only the Western Pacific region reached the World Health Organization (WHO) imposed 2005 STOP TB program targets, worldwide case detection and treatment success has greatly improved. Why is there no celebration?; the number of new cases continues to steadily rise, particularly in China, India and the African continent and an alarming proportion of those infected with TB are also infected with HIV. Just as Voldemort, the embodiment of evil in JK Rowling?s Harry Potter novels, appears defeated but returns stronger than ever, mortality and morbidity of TB is increasing significantly in parts of the globe where antimicrobial resistance has emerged.