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Drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis in Israel, a society of immigrants: 1985-1994
J Sosna1, T Shulimzon, J Roznman
1Department of Radiology, Haddasha University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Setting And Objectives:
Drug-resistant tuberculosis was uncommon in Israel until 1985, when the waves of immigration began. We studied the incidence and clinical course of resistant pulmonary tuberculosis nationwide.
Design:
Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis between 1985 and 1994 were surveyed. Data on 150 patients with resistance and 110 patients with drug-sensitive disease were reviewed. Ethnic origin, type of resistance, radiological findings and outcome were analysed.
Results:
In total, 16.7% of the isolates showed resistance to at least one drug; 58% had resistance to multiple drugs. In 67% of the patients the resistance was primary. Most patients were immigrants from the former USSR and from Ethiopia; none were Israeli-born Jews. Mortality with resistance was 10%, and was highest (14%) with multiple drug resistance. Mortality among drug-resistant cases was lowest (3%) among Ethiopian Jews. Cavities and extensive disease were more common with drug resistance.
Conclusion:
Drug resistance has become relatively common in Israel due to immigration from the former USSR and Ethiopia. It is more extensive radiologically and carries a poorer outcome.