Multidrug-resistant TB among previously treated TB cases: A retrospective study in Nagpur, India

Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a major public health concern and threat for tuberculosis control efforts worldwide. Globally, 3.6% of new TB cases and 20.2% of previously treated cases, are estimated to have MDR-TB. The prevalence of MDR-TB in India has been estimated to be 1-3% in new TB cases and around 12-14% in previously treated TB cases. There is limited information of the trends of MDRTB among various types of previously treated cases, i.e. relapse, treatment after failure, treatment after default and other cases. This study was conducted to know the trends of MDR-TB among various types of previously treated cases treated as per Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP) guidelines.

This was a retrospective record review of MDRTB cases diagnosed during 2007-2011 who were previously treated for anti-TB treatment under RNTCP.

A total of 249 retreatment tuberculosis patients diagnosed as having MDRTB were included. Majority 84 (34%) of cases were from 25 to 34 years age group, which is productive age group. Among the MDRTB cases, 177 (71%) were male and 72 (29%) were female. The proportion of MDR-TB among different subcategories of retreatment TB cases were relapse 117 (47%), treatment failure 96 (39%), treatment after default 22 (9%) and others 14 (6%).

Study findings highlight high proportion of MDRTB among the relapse and treatment failure cases. Further research is needed to understand high occurrence rates of MDRTB among relapse and failure cases treated under RNTCP and need for early detection of MDR-TB among these high-risk groups.