Answer :
Final answer:
Rifampin should not be used alone because it can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of TB. It is essential to use a multidrug protocol and ensure patient adherence to prevent the emergence of MDR-TB and XDR-TB.
Explanation:
Rifampin should not be used as monotherapy because it can lead to the rapid development of drug resistance. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis (TB), can easily mutate and become resistant to single drug treatments.
Since TB is a chronic disease, therapy often extends for several months, during which multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) strains may develop if the bacteria are exposed to suboptimal or improper levels of antibiotics. It's imperative to use proper multidrug protocols to prevent these resistant strains from emerging.
Typical treatment includes a combination of drugs such as isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide to combat the bacteria effectively. Additionally, adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen is crucial as nonadherence can also contribute to the development of drug-resistant TB strains.
