Incidence of multi-drug resistance tuberculosis in north coastal andhra pradesh

The worldwide emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a man-made global problem causing a major threat to tuberculosis (TB) control. MDR-TB is now encountered in India with increasing frequency, with reports from many parts of the country. This study was designed to evaluate the incidence of MDR-TB in Government Hospital for Chest and Communicable Diseases, Visakhapatnam, A.P, India, from July2012 –Dec 2012. This study included 33 inpatients of the hospital. All patients were resistant to at least Rifampicin and Isoniazid (INH). Patients’ files were analyzed for clinical and epidemiological data, causes and types of drug resistance. Patients were interviewed with standard questionnaire to determine their history of anti-TB drug therapy and were classified accordingly. Total reported MDR-TB cases were 33 inpatients, 27 males and 6 females.12% are below 25yrs, 33% are between 26-35yrs,12%are between 36-45 yrs.’ and 42% are above 46yrs of age.12% are only alcoholic,12% are only smokers,45%are both alcoholic and smokers,30%are non-alcoholic and non-smokers. The above study shows that the risk of the disease is more in male individuals who are above 45yrs of age and who are habituated with smoking and alcoholism. Very few cases with family history were identified. MDR-TB is more liable to occur among retreatment patients. Acquired resistance is more common due to lack of adherence to treatment or inappropriate treatment. Cure was high in all age categories while death was significantly higher in older patients.