Researchers at the University of Colorado, USA, have developed a dry powder that appears to be effective in treating tuberculosis (TB) and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
Tuberculosis is a disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium can attack any part of the body, but the disease usually affects the lungs.
The new powder is composed of fine particles of antibiotics. These are inhaled deep into the lungs, where tuberculosis is often located in its early stages.
Tuberculosis remains a significant health concern. The disease killed an estimated 1.7 million people worldwide in 2009 and generated 9.4 million new cases, according to the World Health Organization.
The researchers have also found that when the powder is used alone or in combination with current treatments, it may significantly reduce treatment for tuberculosis (TB) and multi-drug resistant TB.