The appearance of TB strains is extremely dangerous

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned a new tuberculosis strain has killed 52 of 53 people infected in South Africa. This new strain is found in South Africa's Kwazulu-Natal region and is particularly dangerous as it is extremely resistant to drugs.

Three of the six drugs used in the second line, the last line of defense against tuberculosis, were ineffective against this new tuberculosis strain.

Paul Nunn, head of WHO's Drug Surveillance Department, said: 'We are very concerned. If countries do not have the diagnostic ability to detect patients infected with this tuberculosis, they will die quickly. '

Although most resistant TB strains can be treated with three combination drugs, these drugs are expensive and toxic to the human body.

Next week, WHO and partners - including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the South African Medical Research Council - are scheduled to hold a two-day conference in South Africa to discuss the diagnosis. and treatment of new tuberculosis strains.