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Primary drug-resistant tuberculosis in children
H S Schaaf1, R P Gie, N Beyers
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg Hospital and the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. hss@gerga.sun.ac.za
Summary
Drug resistance in childhood tuberculosis is low in South Africa, mirroring community levels. This study found isoniazid resistance in 6.9% and multidrug resistance in 1% of pediatric TB cases.
Area of Science:
- Tuberculosis research
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Antimicrobial resistance
Background:
- High tuberculosis (TB) incidence in Western Cape, South Africa, with documented adult isoniazid (INH) resistance (3.9%) and multidrug resistance (MDR) (1.1%) between 1992-1993.
- Understanding drug resistance patterns in children is crucial for effective TB control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess drug resistance incidence in pediatric tuberculosis compared to adults.
- To compare clinical features of drug-resistant versus drug-susceptible TB in children.
- To determine the extent of INH resistance in pediatric isolates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective collection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures from children (0-13 years) at a regional hospital (August 1994 - April 1998).
- Susceptibility testing performed on all isolates; INH resistance quantified.
- Review of children's clinical records.
Main Results:
- Susceptibility data available for 306/338 pediatric TB cases.
- Isoniazid resistance detected in 6.9% (21/306) and MDR in 1% (7/306) of pediatric isolates.
- Incidence of INH resistance was 5.6% and MDR 1% in children under 5 years; clinical features were similar across resistance groups.
Conclusions:
- Childhood tuberculosis in Western Cape exhibits a low incidence of drug resistance.
- The observed resistance levels likely reflect primary drug resistance in the circulating M. tuberculosis strains within the community.