Drug Resistance Pattern of MTB Isolates from PTB Patients

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global pandemic.
• The emergence of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-MTB) strains hinders TB control efforts.
• Understanding drug resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-MTB) in a specific region of India.
• To assess drug susceptibility patterns for key anti-TB drugs.

Main Methods:

• Isolated 130 clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains from patients undergoing treatment.
• Confirmed MTB identification using MPT64 antigen detection.
• Performed drug susceptibility testing against Streptomycin, Isoniazid (INH), Rifampicin (RIF), and Ethambutol using the MBBact automated system.

Main Results:

• A high rate of multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed, with 32 out of 130 isolates (25.61%) identified as MDR-TB.
• Specific drug resistance rates included: Isoniazid (INH) 31.2%, Rifampicin (RIF) 28%, Ethambutol 17.6%, and Streptomycin 21.6%.
• Combined resistance to INH and RIF was found in 18.05% of isolates, with individual resistance to INH or RIF at 20.8% and 13.88%, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The study indicates a high prevalence of drug resistance among TB patients in this region of India.
• Previously treated patients and those with irregular treatment regimens are particularly susceptible to developing drug resistance.
• These findings underscore the need for enhanced TB treatment adherence and monitoring programs.