Publication:

A study on prevalence of multi drug resistance tuberculosis and factors influencing it in Davangere district, Karnataka, India

Background India is one of the high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries in the world accounting for nearly 20% of the global incidence. Standard anti-TB drugs have been used for decades, and resistance to the medicines is growing. The emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is threatening to destabilize global tuberculosis control.

Methods Case records of all the patients put on DOTS plus therapy for MDR-TB were obtained from District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC) located at Chigateri General Hospital Davangere. Details of all the suspected MDR-TB patients registered in the DTC during January 2013 to June 2015 and sent for culture and drug sensitivity testing (DST) were obtained. MDR-TB was defined as Tuberculosis caused by bacilli showing resistant to Isoniazid and Rifampicin. Cases are analysed based on MDR Suspect criteria as per RNTCP. Further details about the influencing factors were obtained by calling the patients on their contact numbers. Corroborative evidence of the details provided by the patients regarding the influencing factors was substantiated from STLS or DOTS providers.

Results The prevalence of MDR-TB cases in three years was 32/4136 cases. Among the factors age, gender, pattern of resistant and high Random Blood Sugar level were the key determining factors influencing MDR-TB.

Conclusions A main component in stopping the spread of MDR-TB is to rapidly diagnose infectious TB disease cases and treat these so the patient can be cured and the chain of transmission will be stopped.