Delay in initiating mdr-tb treatment leads to increase in prevalence of pulmonary tb cases in household contacts of mdr-tb cases in Wardha district, Maharashtra, India

Introduction: Close contacts of MDR-TB patients are expected to be at increased risk of developing TB. Therefore, when patients are diagnosed with MDR tuberculosis, early initiation of treatment is a particularly important element of prevention for developing new cases of active tuberculosis in the community. Methodology: We conducted domiciliary visits to interview in dex cases as well as their household contacts. This study was a community based cross sectional study conducted in between June 2012 to December 2012 for all those house hold contacts in all 08 blocks of Wardha District, Maharashtra, India. Result: Out of 259 close contacts of 84 index MDR-TB patients, 06 (2.31%) had active tuberculosis. 66.68% cases found sputum positive chest symptomatic household contact when duration of delay was 16 to 30 days for starting treatment after diagnosis of MDR-TB in index case followed by 16.66% each when delay was more than 30 days. Conclusion: An early identification and early initiation of treatment in potential cases will eventually translate into reduced morbidity, mortality and transmission of infection in the community.