The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) threatens TB control programs worldwide. Outbreaks of MDRTB in the United States grabbed the attention of the medical community and the general public, and subsequent surveys have found "hot spots" of MDRTB in low- and middle-income countries on four continents. Contributions from experts provide detailed descriptions, causes, molecular biology, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and public health aspects of this disease. It gives an authorative overview of MDRTB and should be a useful reference book for clinicians, scientists and other health personnel involved in the care of TB and MDRTB patients in industrialized and developing countries.