Trends and characteristics of drug-resistant tuberculosis in rural Shandong, China

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the secular trends in drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) and to identify unique characteristics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in rural China. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted using TB data collected from 36 TB prevention and control institutions serving rural populations in Shandong Province, China, for the period 2006–2015. ResultsApproximately 8.3% of patients suffered from MDR-TB, among whom 70% were newly treated patients; this rate increased by 1.3% annually during the 10-year study period. An increase in the percentage of overall first-line drug resistance against isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and streptomycin was confirmed (p<0.05). The percentage of MDR-TB in new and previously treated cases increased at yearly rates of 9.9% and 11.1%, respectively. MDR-TB patients were more likely to be female (odds ratio (OR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–1.89), smokers (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.47–2.07), to have had recent TB contact (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.04–2.42), or to have been retreated (OR 2.89, 95% CI 2.46–3.41). ConclusionsIncreasing MDR-TB and rates of primary MDR-TB characterize DR-TB cases in rural China. Persistent efforts need to be made among MDR-TB patients in future TB control strategies.