Management of rifampicin mono‐resistant tuberculosis in Queensland, Australia: a retrospective case series

Rifampicin mono‐resistant tuberculosis (RMR‐TB) is rare worldwide; however, it is associated with poor treatment outcomes. Evidence to guide the treatment of RMR‐TB is lacking. International guidelines have recently changed and now recommend that RMR‐TB should be managed with multi‐drug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) regimens. This report is a retrospective review of all cases of RMR‐TB in Queensland, Australia, from 2000 to 2016 to assess treatment outcomes and regimens used. Twelve cases of RMR‐TB were diagnosed, with seven patients completing treatment in Queensland. This study confirms that RMR‐TB is rare in Queensland. Generally extended regimens with first‐line agents +/− a fluoroquinolone were used, and all patients who completed treatment in Queensland had successful outcomes.