Fluoroquinolones for the Treatment of Tuberculosis: An Overview

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Tuberculosis is a major global health threat. In 2022, an estimated 10 million people worldwide developed TB disease, and there were about 1.5 million TB-related deaths. TB primarily affects low- and middle-income countries, with the highest burden in Africa, Asia, and the Western Pacific regions. The WHO has launched the "End TB Strategy" with the aim of eliminating TB as a public health problem by 2035. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment are essential for effective TB control. WHO recommends a package of interventions known as "Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course" (DOTS) for TB control, which includes standardized diagnostic approaches, access to quality-assured drugs, and supportive treatment adherence measures. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health burden, necessitating the development of new therapeutic strategies. Fluoroquinolones (FQs) have emerged as promising agents in the treatment of TB due to their potent antimicrobial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and their ability to penetrate intracellular compartments. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the use of FQs as antitubercular agents, highlighting their mechanisms of action, efficacy and limitations.