Practical Significance of Tuberculous Infection with Streptomycin-Resistant Organisms

A new case of tuberculous infection with streptomycin-resistant organisms is reported. Only the irresponsible patient with a history of many irregular discharges provides a public health hazard by transmission of streptomycin-resistant mycobacteria; otherwise. the potential danger of spreading streptomycin-resistant strains does not seem to be a factor of sufficient practical importance to withhold streptomycin from any active case of tuberculosis, including the minimal and the "idiopathic" pleural effusion cases. In tuberculosis hospitals, transmission of resistant bacilli from one patient to another is practically non-existent; therefore, there is no need of separating streptomycin-resistant cases from those with sensitive organisms on the wards. Hospital personnel should be protected by strict contagious technique.