High Burden Of Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis Research Articles

Drug resistance and epidemiology characteristics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients in 17 provinces of China.

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.

Predictors of time to unfavorable treatment outcomes among patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis in Oromia region, Ethiopia.

BackgroundMultidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a man-made problem when bacteria are resistant to at least two anti TB drugs (Rifampicin and Isoniazid). Currently from tuberculosis infected patients, two out of ten are developing MDR-TB and it is an emerging public health problem in Ethiopia. Despite high burden of MDR-TB in Ethiopia, the treatment outcomes and predictors related to incidence among MDR-TB patients is not studied in Oromia region, Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study assessed the predictors of time to unfavorable treatment outcomes among patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis in Oromia region, EthiopiaMethodFacility based retrospective cohort study was conducted at hospitals in Oromia Region. All registered MDR-TB patient charts from 2015 to 2017 were considered for the study. Data entry was done by using EPI data version 3.1 Statistical Software and data analysis was done by SPSS version 20. The descriptive statistics, frequency, median and range were employed. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify predictors of time to unfavorable treatment outcomes of multidrug resistant tuberculosis. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the variables with P- value less than and equal to 0.05 were considered as predictor variables for time to unfavorable treatment outcome of MDR-TB.ResultFrom the total of 415 (92.84%) complete MDR-TB charts, the overall cumulative probability of unfavorable treatment outcome at the end of the treatment (two years) was 21.21%. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis initial culture result [AHR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.96], HIV test result [AHR = 3.76; 95% CI: 2.45, 5.78] and culture at the end of continuation phases [AHR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.20] were the predictors of unfavorable treatment outcome.ConclusionThe magnitude of unfavorable treatment outcome at Oromia hospitals was lower than WHO regional report of 2018. This finding demonstrated that low unfavorable treatment outcomes for MDR-TB patients can be achieved in a resource-constrained and high TB-burden setting. Whereas, Initial culture result, HIV test result and culture at the end of continuation phases were determined as predictor factors with associated unfavorable treatment outcomes. Culture positive and HIV positive MDR-TB patients need special attention at the time of treatment.

Genome Changes in Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis

Directly Observed Treatment Shortcourses (DOTS) is a tuberculosis disease program that has been implemented worldwide since 1995. Prevalenve of Tuberculosis has started to decrease but since then there was a new phenomenon of the resistant Tuberculosis or Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB). Indonesia is now a country with a high burden of MDR TB in the world. MDR TB is resistance to Anti Tuberculosis drug that is type Isoniasid and Rifampisin. Usually the cause of resistance is irregularity of taking medication. It is now known that Tuberculosis drug resistance is not only caused by inadequate or failed treatment but also due to the emergence of resistant strains transmitted by MDR TB sufferers. Resistant strains arising from changes or mutations in certain genes in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome include rpoB gene and katG gene which are the work targets of Anti Tuberculosis Drugs. This resistance mechanism is strongly associated with the occurrence of a number of changes in the structure of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome. Mycobacterium tuberculosis develops resistance mechanisms that are different from other bacteria in general. Therefore this paper is expected to help understanding the genomic changes that occur in the mechanism of resistance Tuberculosis.

What works best for ensuring treatment adherence. Lessons from a social support program for people treated for tuberculosis in Ukraine.

Worldwide, TB is one of the top 10 causes of death and the leading cause from a single infectious agent. Ukraine is one of 30 countries with the highest burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Global literature shows that social support (SS) is important in improving TB treatment adherence, reducing lost to follow up rates and improving treatment outcomes. There are several models of SS available, and the literature provides little information on what aspects of SS are most important to TB patients in improving their adherence. We used qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews (IDI) with 21 TB patients and 15 SS providers and coordinators in Ukraine in August-September 2016 to understand how the SS program promoted treatment adherence among patients. We examined the aspects of outpatient TB treatment that made adherence particularly difficult for patients in at-risk groups and aspects of the SS programs that worked best for addressing those barriers. Interviews were transcribed and analysis was performed to derive emergent themes. Main barriers included side effects from medicine, the amount of time required daily for transportation and waiting in lines at the health facility, transportation expenses, risks of being identified when visiting a TB facility and lack of motivation to seek treatment. Features of the SS program most valued by patients were convenience of not having to visit facility and support provided by nurses. These two features directly addressed most of the barriers identified. The commitment and qualities of the nurses that provided the SS was an important element of the program. This qualitative study suggests that the SS program in Ukraine was successful in reducing treatment default among patients at high risk of default because it directly addressed most of the major barriers they faced to treatment adherence.

Improving outcomes for multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Peruvian Amazon \u2013 a qualitative study exploring the experiences and perceptions of patients and healthcare professionals

BackgroundManagement for multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is challenging and has poor patient outcomes. Peru has a high burden of MDR-TB. The Loreto region in the Peruvian Amazon is worst affected for reasons including high rates of poverty and poor healthcare access. Current evidence identifies factors that influence MDR-TB medication adherence, but there is limited understanding of the patient and healthcare professional (HCP) perspective, the HCP-patient relationship and other factors that influence outcomes. A qualitative investigation was conducted to explore and compare the experiences and perceptions of MDR-TB patients and their dedicated HCPs to inform future management strategies.MethodTwenty-six, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 MDR-TB patients and 11 HCPs who were purposively recruited from 4 of the worst affected districts of Iquitos (capital of the Loreto region). Field notes and transcripts of the two groups were analysed separately using thematic content analysis. Ethics approval was received from the Institutional Research Ethics Committee, Department of Health, Loreto, and the University of Birmingham Internal Research Ethics Committee.ResultsFour key themes influencing patient outcomes emerged in each participant group: personal patient factors, external factors, clinical factors, and the HCP-patient relationship. Personal factors included high standard patient and population knowledge and education, which can facilitate engagement with treatment by encouraging belief in evidence-based medicine, dispelling belief in natural medicines, health myths and stigma. External factors included the adverse effect of the financial impact of MDR-TB on patients and their families. An open, trusting and strong HCP-patient relationship emerged as a vitally important clinical factor influencing of patient outcomes. The results also provide valuable insight into the dynamic of the relationship and ways in which a good relationship can be fostered.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of financial support for patients, effective MDR-TB education and the role of the HCP-patient relationship. These findings add to the existing evidence base and provide insight into care improvements and policy changes that could improve outcomes if prioritised by local and national government.

Genomic characterization of MDR/XDR-TB in Kazakhstan by a combination of high-throughput methods predominantly shows the ongoing transmission of L2/Beijing 94\u201332 central Asian/Russian clusters

BackgroundKazakhstan remains a high-burden TB prevalence country with a concomitent high-burden of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. For this reason, we performed an in depth genetic diversity and population structure characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) genetic diversity in Kazakhstan with both patient and community benefit.MethodsA convenience sample of 700 MTC DNA cultures extracts from 630 tuberculosis patients recruited from 12 out of 14 regions in Kazakhstan, between 2010 and 2015, was independently studied by high-throughput hybridization-based methods, TB-SPRINT (59-Plex, n = 700), TB-SNPID (50-Plex, n = 543). DNA from 391 clinical isolates was successfully typed by two methods. To resolve the population structure of drug-resistant clades in more detail two complementary assays were run on the L2 isolates: an IS6110-NTF insertion site typing assay and a SigE SNP polymorphism assay.ResultsStrains belonged to L2/Beijing and L4/Euro-American sublineages; L2/Beijing prevalence totaled almost 80%. 50% of all samples were resistant to RIF and to INH., Subtyping showed that: (1) all L2/Beijing were “modern” Beijing and (2) most of these belonged to the previously described 94–32 sublineage (Central Asian/Russian), (3) at least two populations of the Central Asian/Russian sublineages are circulating in Kazakhstan, with different evolutionary dynamics.ConclusionsFor the first time, the global genetic diversity and population structure of M. tuberculosis genotypes circulating in Kazakhstan was obtained and compared to previous local studies. Results suggest a region-specific spread of a very limited number of L2/Beijing clonal complexes in Kazakhstan many strongly associated with an MDR phenotype.

Can patients afford the cost of treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia has a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) and is one of the countries with the highest burden of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). To understand the costs that patients incur in obtaining diagnosis and treatment for MDR-TB. In March 2013, interviews were conducted with 169 MDR-TB patients at three hospitals in Ethiopia to identify the cost to patients and the impact on employment and family income. The average MDR-TB patient incurred a total cost of US$1378, which represented 25 months of a mid-treatment household income of US$54. The impact on the patient's employment and on overall patient and family income was generally catastrophic: 74% of all respondents reported losing their jobs, 66% of patients lost household income, and household income was reduced by 38%. To help cover the costs, 38% of patients sold some type of property, while 7% leased out property and 41% took out loans, any of which could jeopardize their future financial situation even further. Despite services being officially free of charge, most patients incurred catastrophic costs and suffered significant income loss as a result of obtaining diagnosis and treatment for MDR-TB.

'Need of the Hour': Early Diagnosis and Management of Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis of the Spine: An Analysis of 30 Patients from a "High Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis Burden" Country.

Study DesignRetrospective study.PurposeTo report the prevalence of patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR) tubercular spondylodiscitis and their outcomes. Additionally, to assess the role of Xpert MTB/RIF assay in early detection of MDR tuberculosis. Overview of LiteratureMDR tuberculosis is increasing globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly recommended Xpert MTB/RIF assay for early detection of tuberculosis.MethodsFrom 2006 to 2015, a retrospective study was conducted on patients treated for MDR tuberculosis of the spine. Only patients whose diagnosis was confirmed using either culture and/or the Xpert MTB/RIF assay were included. Diagnostic method, treatment regimen, time taken to initiate second-line antituberculosis treatment (ATT), drug-related complications, and cost of medications were analyzed. All patients with MDR were treated according to the WHO recommendations for 2 years. The outcome parameters analyzed included clinical, biochemical, and radiological criteria to assess healing status.ResultsFrom 2006 to 2015, a total of 730 patients were treated for tubercular spondylodiscitis. Of those, 36 had MDR tubercular spondylitis (prevalence, 4.9%), and three had extremely drug resistant tubercular spondylitis (prevalence, 0.4%). In this study, 30 patients, with a mean age of 29 years and a mean post-treatment follow-up of 24 months, were enrolled. The majority (77%) had secondary MDR, 17 (56%) underwent surgery, and 26 (87%) completed treatment for 2 years and were healed. Drug-related complications (33%) included ototoxicity, hypothyroidism, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. The average time taken for initiation of second line ATT for MDR patients with Xpert MTB/RIF assay as the diagnostic tool was 18 days, when compared to patients for whom the assay was not available which was 243 days.ConclusionsThe prevalence of MDR tubercular spondylodiscitis was 4.9%. In total, 87% of patients were healed with adequate treatment. The sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay to detect MDR was 100% and 92.3%, respectively.

Whole-genome sequencing reveals genetic signature of bedaquiline resistance in a clinical isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains has opened up new challenges for tuberculosis (TB) control in India. This study examined molecular markers of resistance to bedaquiline, a new antituberculous drug with the potential to dramatically improve MDR-TB treatment outcomes and to reduce mortality. A clinical M. tuberculosis isolate with a MDR-TB profile was subjected to whole-genome sequencing using an Illumina NextSeq500 platform, followed by genome-wide sequence analysis. A mutation in the Rv0678 coding region associated with in vitro bedaquiline resistance was identified. The strain represented the Delhi/CAS lineage. This first report of a potentially bedaquiline-resistant M. tuberculosis strain in India highlights the role of genome-wide sequence analysis of isolates from TB cases with a history of treatment in countries with a high burden of MDR-TB and XDR-TB.

Occurrence, Management, and Risk Factors for Adverse Drug Reactions in Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis Patients.

Although Pakistan has a high burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), little is known about prevalence, management, and risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in MDR-TB patients in Pakistan. To evaluate occurrence, management, and risk factors for ADRs in MDR-TB patients, and its impact on treatment outcomes, this observational cohort study was conducted at programmatic management unit for drug resistant TB of Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan. A total of 181 MDR-TB patients enrolled at the study site from January 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013 were included. Patients with drug resistant TB other than MDR-TB, transferred out patients and those who were still on treatment at the end of study duration (January 31, 2015) were excluded. Patients were followed until treatment outcomes were reported. ADRs were determined by laboratory data and/or clinical criteria. SPSS 16 was used for data analysis. A total of 131 patients (72.4%) experienced at least 1 ADR. Gastrointestinal disturbance was the most commonly observed adverse event (42%), followed by psychiatric disturbance (29.3%), arthralgia (24.3%), and ototoxicity (21%). Potentially life-threatening ADRs, such as nephrotoxicity (2.7%) and hypokalemia (2.8%) were relatively less prevalent. Owing to ADRs, treatment regimen was modified in 20 (11%) patients. On multivariate analysis, the only risk factor for ADRs was baseline body weight ≥ 40 kg (OR = 2.321, P-value = 0.013). ADRs neither led to permanent discontinuation of treatment nor adversely affected treatment outcomes. Adverse effects were prevalent in current cohort, but caused minimal modification of treatment regimen, and did not negatively impact treatment outcomes. Patient with baseline body weight ≥ 40 kg should be closely monitored.

Impact of scaling up Xpert® MTB/RIF testing for the detection of rifampicin-resistant TB cases in Karachi, Pakistan.

Pakistan ranks fourth among the countries with a high burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), with only 19.2% of the 15 000 estimated incident cases being notified. Increasing treatment coverage for MDR-TB is a key priority for Pakistan's National Tuberculosis Programme. The World Health Organization recommends the use of the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay as the first-line diagnostic test for individuals with presumed TB. To describe a multifaceted case-finding intervention targeting public and private sector health care facilities that used the Xpert assay as a frontline diagnostic test for individuals with presumptive TB, in Karachi, Pakistan, and its impact on case notifications of MDR-TB. Cross-sectional study. A total of 51 168 individuals were tested using Xpert, of whom respectively 7581 and 1534 people were diagnosed with TB in the public sector (reverse public-private mix) and private sector (social business model) arms; 574 (6.3% of all TB cases) were identified as having rifampicin (RMP) resistance. A total of 517 (90.1%) people with RMP-resistant TB (RR-TB) identified through the project were initiated on second-line treatment. The intervention resulted in 194 additional cases of RR-TB, an increase of 43% over the baseline. This project, one of the largest Xpert testing programmes conducted at city level, resulted in significantly increased detection and treatment of MDR-TB.

Kejadian Tuberkulosis Multi Drug Resistant di RSUP dr. Kariadi

Indonesia ranks 8th out of 27 countries with high priority burden of MDR TB. MDR Tuberculosis at Dr. Kariadi has increased over the last 3 years. In 2014 there were 688 cases, 2015 there were 1,183 cases, 2014 reached 1442 cases, until May 2017 reached 2,061 cases. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors related to MDR TB incidence at RSUP. Dr. Kariadi Kota Semarang. This research was analytic observational case control design. The samples were 72 cases and 72 controls by purposive sampling technique. Research Instruments used questionnaires and medical records. Data were analyzed univariate, bivariate (chi square test) and multivariate (logistic regression test) with SPSS. The results show that the active role of PMO (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.14-4.89), result of TB treatment (OR = 5.64; 95% CI = 2.23 -14,23), and medication adherence (OR = 2.49; 95% CI = 1.17-5.28 ) was associated with MDR TB incidence at the RSUP. Dr. Kariadi Kota Semarang.The most dominant factor with the incidence of MDR TB was result of TB treatment.

HYBRIDIZATION-BASED NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION TEST TERHADAP CARTRIDGE-BASED NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION TEST TERKAIT MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS (Hybridization-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test towards Catridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis)

Indonesia has high burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CB-NAAT),which is recommended as a diagnostic method of MDR-TB by World Health Organization, is faster in achieving the result. This methoddetermines MDR-TB only from the rifampisin resistance, by detecting mutations that occur on the 81 bp hot-spot region of the rpoBgene. The isoniazid resistance is not included in the determination of MDR-TB by this method. Hybridization-based NAAT (HB-NAAT)detects MDR-TB not only from the rifampisin resistance (codon 526 and 531 rpoB gene), but also from the isoniazid resistance (codon315 katG gene). The aim of this study was to know the validity of the HB-NAAT in detecting MDR-TB using sputum with CB-NAATas the gold standard in a diagnostic study. All of 51 sputums were collected during June 2013 from patients suspected pulmonaryMDR-TB at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. The result of CB-NAAT were 16 MDR-TB, 12 TB non MDR, and 23 non TB. HB-NAATexamination results were 3 MDR-TB, 25 TB non MDR (3 RMR, 6 IMR, 16 susceptible) and 23 non TB. The sensitivity of HB-NAAT was18.75% and specificity 100%. Low sensitivity values may due to the high mutation variations in the samples. So it could not be detectedonly by codons 526 and 531 for rifampisin resistance. For the detection of isoniazid resistance, HB-NAAT have optimal primer at lowconcentrations and it also need more than katG genes to detect isoniazid resistance. Based on this study, it can be conclued, that HBNAAThas low sensitivity but high specificity in the detecting MDR-TB.

MDR-TB patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Cost-effectiveness of 5 models of care.

BackgroundSouth Africa has a high burden of MDR-TB, and to provide accessible treatment the government has introduced different models of care. We report the most cost-effective model after comparing cost per patient successfully treated across 5 models of care: centralized hospital, district hospitals (2), and community-based care through clinics or mobile injection teams.MethodsIn an observational study five cohorts were followed prospectively. The cost analysis adopted a provider perspective and economic cost per patient successfully treated was calculated based on country protocols and length of treatment per patient per model of care. Logistic regression was used to calculate propensity score weights, to compare pairs of treatment groups, whilst adjusting for baseline imbalances between groups. Propensity score weighted costs and treatment success rates were used in the ICER analysis. Sensitivity analysis focused on varying treatment success and length of hospitalization within each model.ResultsIn 1,038 MDR-TB patients 75% were HIV-infected and 56% were successfully treated. The cost per successfully treated patient was 3 to 4.5 times lower in the community-based models with no hospitalization. Overall, the Mobile model was the most cost-effective.ConclusionReducing the length of hospitalization and following community-based models of care improves the affordability of MDR-TB treatment without compromising its effectiveness.

Unacceptable treatment outcomes and associated factors among India's initial cohorts of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients under the revised national TB control programme (2007-2011): Evidence leading to policy enhancement.

BackgroundGlobally, India has the world’s highest burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB (PMDT) in India began in 2007 and nationwide coverage was achieved in early 2013. Poor initial microbiological outcomes under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) prompted detailed analysis. This is the first study on factors significantly associated with poor outcomes in MDR-TB patients treated under the RNTCP.ObjectiveTo evaluate initial sputum culture conversion, culture reversion and final treatment outcomes among MDR-TB patients registered in India from 2007 to early 2011 who were treated with a standard 24-month regimen under daily-observed treatment.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study. Clinical and microbiological data were abstracted from PMDT records. Initial sputum culture conversion, culture reversion and treatment outcomes were defined by country adaptation of the standard WHO definitions (2008). Cox proportional hazards modeling with logistic regression, multinomial logistic regression and adjusted odds ratio was used to evaluate factors associated with interim and final outcomes respectively, controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics.ResultsIn the cohort of 3712 MDR-TB patients, 2735 (73.6%) had initial sputum culture conversion at 100 median days (IQR 92–125), of which 506 (18.5%) had culture reversion at 279 median days (IQR 202–381). Treatment outcomes were available for 2264 (60.9%) patients while 1448 (39.0%) patients were still on treatment or yet to have a definite outcome at the time of analysis. Of 2264 patients, 781 (34.5%) had treatment success, 644 (28.4%) died, 670 (29.6%) were lost to follow up, 169 (7.5%) experienced treatment failure or were changed to XDR-TB treatment. Factors significantly associated with either culture non-conversion, culture reversion and/or unfavorable treatment outcomes were baseline BMI < 18; ≥ seven missed doses in intensive phase (IP) and continuation phase (CP); cavitary disease; prior treatment episodes characterized by re-treatment regimen taken twice, longer duration and more episodes of treatment; any weight loss during treatment; males and additional resistance to first line drugs (Ethambutol, Streptomycin). In a subgroup of 104 MDR-TB patients, 62 (59.6%) had Ofloxacin resistance among whom only 25.8% had treatment success, half of the success (54.8%) seen in Ofloxacin sensitive patients. Baseline susceptibility to Ofloxacin (HR 2.04) and Kanamycin (HR 4.55) significantly doubled and quadrupled the chances for culture conversion respectively while baseline susceptibility to Ofloxacin (AOR 0.37) also significantly reduced the odds of unfavorable treatment outcomes (p value ≤0.05) in multinomial logistic regression model.ConclusionIndia’s initial MDR-TB patients’ cohort treated under the RNTCP experienced poor treatment outcomes. To address the factors associated with poor treatment outcomes revealed in our study, a systematic multi-pronged approach would be needed. A series of policies and interventions have been developed to address these factors to improve DR-TB treatment outcomes and are being scaled-up in India.

The Battle Continues: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Patients

The World Health Organization cites the Philippines as one of the countries worldwide that continues to have a high burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), with high rates of infected Filipinos. This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals with MDR-TB. Using a qualitative method, the study documented the experiences and meaning-making of eight Filipino adults aged 26–50 who were between the third and ninth month of directly observed treatment. Data from semi-structured interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis that yielded five superordinate themes: (1) the recurrence of tuberculosis (TB) symptoms and the trauma of being diagnosed with MDR-TB; (2) experiences of confronting the reality of being infected with MDR-TB; (3) barriers to long-term treatment adherence; (4) significance of social support; and (5) coping with MDR-TB. These themes describe the subjective experiences of patients battling an infectious disease who were undergoing long-term outpatient treatment. The significance and implications of the findings toward a more comprehensive program of interventions for MDR-TB patients are discussed.

Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis and Associated Factors in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review.

Background Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has continued to be a challenge for tuberculosis (TB) control globally. Ethiopia is one of the countries with high MDR-TB burden. ObjectiveThe main purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of MDR-TB and associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods A systematic review of the literatures on prevalence of MDR-TB and associated factors was conducted in the country. ResultsIn our electronic search, 546 citations were depicted. Among the total 546 citations described, a total of 22 articles met eligibility criteria and were included in the review article. According to our review, the prevalence of MDR-TB ranged from 0 to 46.3%. The average mean rate of MDR-TB in Ethiopia was found to be 12.6 ± 15.9%. The overall prevalence of MDR-TB in all TB cases was estimated to be 1.4%. From a total of 3849 patients studied, 527 had MDR-TB. Previous exposure to antituberculosis treatment was the most commonly identified risk factor of MDR-TB in Ethiopia. ConclusionDespite relative decline in incidence of MDR-TB, the distribution and prevalence of MDR-TB continued to be a serious challenge for TB control in Ethiopia. Previous exposure to antituberculosis treatment was also the most common risk factor for MDR-TB. Therefore, strong TB and MDR-TB treatment along with tight introduction of follow-up strategies should be applied for better TB control.

Estimating the future burden of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in India, the Philippines, Russia, and South Africa: a mathematical modelling study

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis are emerging worldwide. The Green Light Committee initiative supported programmatic management of drug-resistant tuberculosis in 90 countries. We used estimates from the Preserving Effective TB Treatment Study to predict MDR and XDR tuberculosis trends in four countries with a high burden of MDR tuberculosis: India, the Philippines, Russia, and South Africa. We calibrated a compartmental model to data from drug resistance surveys and WHO tuberculosis reports to forecast estimates of incident MDR and XDR tuberculosis and the percentage of incident MDR and XDR tuberculosis caused by acquired drug resistance, assuming no fitness cost of resistance from 2000 to 2040 in India, the Philippines, Russia, and South Africa. The model forecasted the percentage of MDR tuberculosis among incident cases of tuberculosis to increase, reaching 12·4% (95% prediction interval 9·4-16·2) in India, 8·9% (4·5-11·7) in the Philippines, 32·5% (27·0-35·8) in Russia, and 5·7% (3·0-7·6) in South Africa in 2040. It also predicted the percentage of XDR tuberculosis among incident MDR tuberculosis to increase, reaching 8·9% (95% prediction interval 5·1-12·9) in India, 9·0% (4·0-14·7) in the Philippines, 9·0% (4·8-14·2) in Russia, and 8·5% (2·5-14·7) in South Africa in 2040. Acquired drug resistance would cause less than 30% of incident MDR tuberculosis during 2000-40. Acquired drug resistance caused 80% of incident XDR tuberculosis in 2000, but this estimate would decrease to less than 50% by 2040. MDR and XDR tuberculosis were forecast to increase in all four countries despite improvements in acquired drug resistance shown by the Green Light Committee-supported programmatic management of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Additional control efforts beyond improving acquired drug resistance rates are needed to stop the spread of MDR and XDR tuberculosis in countries with a high burden of MDR tuberculosis. US Agency for International Development and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Tuberculosis Elimination.

Application progress of social support and psychological intervention on preventing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

China has a high burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) . The treatment for MDR-TB was affected by complex and long treatment course, high treatment costs and high psychological burden. Previous studies have shown that social support and psychological intervention play an important role in alleviating the economic and psychological burden, and improving the compliance and treatment outcome in MDR-TB patients. The aim of this article is to conclude and analyze the research progress of social support and psychological intervention in China and overseas in recent years. Different intervention methods are collected and classified into different areas. The article also gives some expectations to the studies of social support and psychological intervention refer to follow-up and management in MDR-TB patients. Key words: Review; Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis; Social support; Psychological intervention

Health outcomes of bedaquiline in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in selected high burden countries

BackgroundLess than one-third of patients who are estimated to be infected with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) receive MDR-TB treatment regimens, and only 48% of those who received treatment have successful outcomes. Despite current regimens, newer, more effective and cost-effective approaches to treatment are needed. The aim of the study was to project health outcomes and impact on healthcare resources of adding bedaquiline to the treatment regimen of MDR-TB in selected high burden countries: Estonia, Russia, South Africa, Peru, China, the Philippines, and India.MethodsThis study adapted an existing Markov model to estimate the health outcomes and impact on total healthcare costs of adding bedaquiline to current MDR-TB treatment regimens. A price threshold analysis was conducted to determine the price range at which bedaquiline would be cost-effective.ResultsAdding bedaquiline to the background regimen (BR) resulted in increased disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted, and reduced total healthcare costs (excluding treatment acquisition costs) compared with BR alone in all countries analyzed. Addition of bedaquiline to BR resulted in savings to healthcare costs compared with BR alone in all countries analyzed, with the highest impact expected in Russia (US$194 million) and South Africa (US$43 million). The price per regimen at which bedaquiline would be cost-effective ranged between US$23,904-US$203,492 in Estonia, Russia, Peru, South Africa, and China (high and upper middle-income countries) and between US$6,996-US$20,323 in the Philippines and India (lower middle-income countries); however, these cost-effective prices do not necessarily address concerns about affordability.ConclusionsAdding bedaquiline to BR provides improvements in health outcomes and reductions in healthcare costs in high MDR-TB burden countries. The range of prices per regimen for which bedaquiline would be cost-effective varied between countries.