Low Occurrence of Tuberculosis Drug Resistance among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients from an Urban Setting, with a Long-Running DOTS Program in Zambia. (20th June 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mulenga, Chanda; Chonde, Allan; Bwalya, Innocent C.; Kapata, Nathan; Kakungu-Simpungwe, Mathilda; Docx, Sven; Fissette, Krista; Shamputa, Isdore Chola; Portaels, Françoise; Rigouts, Leen
• Other Names: Rastogi Nalin Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Tuberculosis research and treatment. Volume 2010(2010)
• Publication Date: 2010-06-20
• Subjects: Tuberculosis -- Periodicals; Tuberculosis -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Tuberculosis -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 616.995005
• DOI: 10.1155/2010/938178
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-150X

Abstract

Abstract : We set out to determine the levels of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance to first- and second-line TB drugs in an urban population in Zambia. Sputum samples were collected consecutively from all smear-positive, new and previously treated patients, from four diagnostic centres in Ndola between January and July 2006. Drug susceptibility testing was performed using the proportion method against four first- and two second-line TB drugs. Results . Among 156 new cases, any resistance was observed to be 7.7%, monoresistance to isoniazid and rifampicin was 4.5% and 1.3%, respectively. Of 31 retreatment cases, any resistance was observed to be 16.1%, monoresistance to isoniazid and rifampicin was 3.3% for each drug, and one case of resistance to both isoniazid and rifampicin (multidrug resistance) was detected. No resistance to kanamycin or ofloxacin was detected. Conclusion . Although not representative of the country, these results show low levels of drug resistance in a community with a long-standing DOTS experience. Resource constrained countries may reduce TB drug resistance by implementing community-based strategies that enhance treatment completion.