Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Queensland, Australia: an ongoing cross-border challenge

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a growing global health threat.
• Queensland, Australia, faces an elevated risk of MDR-TB due to its proximity to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of MDR-TB patients in Queensland.
• To compare outcomes between patients with cross-border links to PNG and those without.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series was conducted.
• Data were collected for all MDR-TB patients diagnosed in Queensland between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2014.

Main Results:

• Ninety-six MDR-TB cases were identified; 76% were cross-border PNG nationals.
• Cross-border patients were younger, diagnosed sooner after arrival, had higher smear positivity, and received fewer second-line injectable agents.
• Treatment success rates were significantly lower in cross-border patients (47.9%) compared to non-cross-border patients (85.7%).

Conclusions:

• MDR-TB cases in Queensland are predominantly associated with cross-border PNG nationals.
• This cohort exhibits poorer treatment outcomes, necessitating strengthened regional TB control strategies focusing on cross-border populations.