What is the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing drug-resistant tuberculosis?

Multidrug therapy is the most effective strategy to reduce the risk of developing drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). This approach involves administering a combination of antibiotics simultaneously, which is crucial in TB treatment because it targets the bacterium from multiple angles, thereby minimizing the chances of the bacteria developing resistance to any one drug.

When only a single drug is used for treatment, as in single-drug therapy, there is a heightened risk for the tuberculosis bacteria to adapt and develop resistance, especially if the regimen is not strictly followed. Self-medication poses similar risks as it often leads patients to incomplete or inappropriate treatment, which can foster resistance.

Regular screening, while important in detecting TB early and controlling spread, does not directly address the issue of drug resistance. It serves more as a preventative measure rather than a treatment modality; thus, it does not impact the efficacy of the treatment regimen already in place.

Therefore, the combination of several effective antibiotics in multidrug therapy significantly enhances the likelihood of completely eradicating the bacteria while reducing the chances of developing strains that are resistant to standard medications.