BPaLM is a combination treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). It consists of four medications taken together: Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and Moxifloxacin. This is a shorter treatment option that takes six months, compared to traditional longer treatments for MDR-TB. The medication combination works together to fight the tuberculosis bacteria that have become resistant to other common TB drugs.

The conventional MDR-TB treatment regimens (used as comparison in this study) typically involve a combination of multiple antibiotics that patients need to take for a much longer period, usually 18-24 months. These traditional treatments often include different combinations of various TB medications.

Rifampicin-resistant Tuberculosis – A form of tuberculosis where the bacteria have developed resistance to rifampicin, one of the main antibiotics used to treat TB. The disease primarily affects the lungs, causing persistent cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. The bacteria can multiply and spread throughout the body, affecting various organs and tissues. Unlike regular tuberculosis, this variant is harder to eliminate due to its resistance to standard treatment. The infection typically develops gradually, with symptoms becoming more noticeable over time.

Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) – A severe form of tuberculosis that has developed resistance to at least two of the most powerful first-line TB medications. The condition typically begins in the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. Patients may experience persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. The infection progresses more slowly than regular TB, but symptoms tend to worsen over time if not addressed. The bacteria can remain dormant in the body for extended periods before becoming active.