Abstract
As China is one of high MDR-TB burden countries, it is important to determine the drug resistant pattern and clinical characteristics of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). We conducted a comprehensive and nationwide study on MDR-TB in 17 provinces for the period from June 2009 to June 2015, and a total of 1154 cases of MDR-TB were finally investigated. The study sought to assess the clinical features and contrast drug susceptibility profiles of MDR-TB patients in China. Cavitary disease, young age, and long duration of TB disease among MDR-TB patients were important predictors. A high resistance proportion of first-line drugs was observed in Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin. Resistant proportions of second-line anti-TB drugs in western region for amikacin, aminosalicylic acid, and levofloxacin were higher than eastern and central regions. High levels of drug resistance were seen in earlier cases (before 2011) and outpatients. We found high levels of resistance to 1st- and 2nd-line drugs in all settings, with considerable variabilities in terms of different Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) programme, level of economic development(eastern, central and western regions) and patient source (inpatients and outpatients). Timely drug susceptibility testing (DST) and effective management are necessary to ensure an early detection of MDR-TB and its proper treatment.
Highlights
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is caused by bacteria that are resistant to both isoniazid and rifampicin, the most effective anti-TB drugs, or more
Our study of more than 1000 cases of MDR-TB from tertiary care hospitals or specialized tuberculosis hospital during 2009–2015 in 17 provinces and metropolitan cities in China showed that the mean age was 38.5 years, and patients aged 45 years or younger accounted for 65.6% of the total cases
The frequency of MDR-TB peaked in young adulthood and the age profile of MDR-TB was in agreement with other reports [15,16,17]
Summary
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is caused by bacteria that are resistant to both isoniazid and rifampicin, the most effective anti-TB drugs, or more. MDR-TB presents a major public health concern in many countries and continues to threaten TB control[1, 2]. In 2017, there was an estimated 558 000 people developed rifampicin-resistant-TB, and of these, 82% had MDR-TB. Three countries accounted for almost half of the world’s cases of MDR-TB: India (24%), China (13%) and the Russian Federation (10%)[3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
