A computerized mathematical model of M. leprae populations during multiple drug therapy (MDT) was constructed. Relevant published information available to date was fed into it, and reasoned assumptions were made. From the model, it seems likely that MDT steadily selects bacteria resistant to the most powerful of the three drugs used: unless the individual bactericidal potencies of the drugs balance one another. If the drugs used have differing potencies, cure probably hinges on treatment being continued until all metabolically active bacteria are killed. Withdrawal of treatment before that could lead to relapse with bacteria resistant to the most powerful of the drugs used.
BT - Indian journal of leprosy C1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3915007?dopt=Abstract CN - Infolep Library - available DA - 1985 Oct-Dec IS - 4 J2 - Indian J Lepr LA - eng N2 -A computerized mathematical model of M. leprae populations during multiple drug therapy (MDT) was constructed. Relevant published information available to date was fed into it, and reasoned assumptions were made. From the model, it seems likely that MDT steadily selects bacteria resistant to the most powerful of the three drugs used: unless the individual bactericidal potencies of the drugs balance one another. If the drugs used have differing potencies, cure probably hinges on treatment being continued until all metabolically active bacteria are killed. Withdrawal of treatment before that could lead to relapse with bacteria resistant to the most powerful of the drugs used.
PY - 1985 SP - 780 EP - 9 T2 - Indian journal of leprosy TI - Computerized mathematical model of M. leprae population dynamics during multiple drug therapy. VL - 57 SN - 0254-9395 ER -