Final answer:
The main reason for the growing antimicrobial resistance in tuberculosis is the nonadherence to the prescribed long term treatment, leading to development of drug-resistant strains such as MDR-TB and XDR-TB.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main reason for the growing antimicrobial (AM) resistance in tuberculosis (TB) is patients' nonadherence to the long course of treatment prescribed. When patients do not complete their treatment, which lasts from 6 months to a year, it leads to the development of antibiotic resistance, making it more difficult to control the spread of TB pathogens, particularly in areas with over-the-counter availability of antimicrobials.
The emergence of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains of TB, such as MDR-TB and XDR-TB, is attributed to the misuse of antibiotics. These strains are resistant to the primary drugs, and in the case of XDR-TB, also to the second-line treatments, leaving limited options for patients, especially those who are immunocompromised.
Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health issue with pathogens like MRSA and multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria causing an urgency to understand bacterial defense mechanisms. In areas where antibiotic resistance is common, it poses a threat to treating infections and leads to higher medical costs and poorer patient outcomes. Nonadherence and the incorrect use of antimicrobials are the key factors contributing to the problem.