Risk factors and predictors of drug resistance in tuberculosis: A comprehensive analysis of cases in Chile (2014-2018)

Abstract

Determine the risk factors associated with drug resistance and unsuccessful treatment of tuberculosis in Chile between 2014 and 2018. Analytical observational cross-sectional study including patients diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB) who entered treatment during 2014-2018, contained in the national TB records. Demographic, clinical variables, and risk groups associated with drug resistance and unsuccessful treatment in TB patients were determined using logistic regression. Between 2014 and 2018, 13,1761 TB patients were reported in Chile, of whom 3.4% (n = 445) were drug-resistant. From this, 43.1% are rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB), multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB), and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB). The risk factors that generated the highest probability of drug resistance were relapse (OR: 4.27; CI95% 2.94; 6.20), foreigner (OR: 3.97; CI95% 2.86; 5.52), pulmonary TB (OR: 2.92; CI95% 1.71; 4.99) and HIV (OR: 1.97; CI: 95% 1.33; 2.90). Regarding the probability of unsuccessful treatment against TB, the highest probability were street situation (OR: 3.33; CI: 95% 2.45; 4.52), drug addiction (OR: 1.91; CI 95% 1.52; 2.41), foreigner (OR: 1.51; CI 95% 1.25; 1.83), drug resistance (OR: 2.81; CI 95% 1.87; 4.20), HIV (OR: 3.24; CI: 95% 2.61; 4.02), not belonging to an indigenous people (OR: 1.43; CI 95% 1.00; 2.06) alcoholism (OR: 1.25; CI 95% 1.01; 1.54), pulmonary TB (OR: 1.43; CI 95% 1.20; 1.70) and male sex (OR: 1.44; CI 95% 1.25; 1.65). The risk factors identified as relapse and coinfection with HIV as predictors of drug resistance highlight the complexity of disease management. Likewise, the presence of street situations, drug addiction, and alcoholism highlights the need for specific approaches to address tuberculosis in different population groups, suggesting the need for personalized strategies.