PREVALENCE OF MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS AMONG PATIENTS VISITING TB HOSPITAL KHAIRPUR

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries such as Pakistan, where delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment contribute to ongoing transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and MDR-TB among suspected tuberculosis patients using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. A total of 240 clinical samples were analyzed, of which 53 (22.08%) were confirmed positive for MTB. Among these, 10 cases (18.87%) were identified as rifampicin-resistant and were classified as MDR-TB due to the well-established association between rifampicin and isoniazid resistance. Age-wise analysis revealed that the highest proportion of MTB-positive cases was observed in the 51-65 years age group (34.78%), followed by 36-50 years (26.92%), 21-35 years (19.35%), and 6-20 years (16.22%), while no cases were detected in individuals above 65 years. Statistical analysis using Fisher’s Exact Test indicated no significant association between age group and MTB positivity (p =0.091) or rifampicin resistance (p= 0.87), Gender-based analysis showed a higher prevalence of MTB among male (60.4%) compared to females (39.6%). Similarly, rifampicin resistance was more frequent in males (70%) than females (30%). Taluka-wise distribution demonstrated that Khairpur had the highest percentage of MTB-positive cases (44%), while Naro reported the lowest (10%). Rifampicin resistance was highest in Kotdiji (28.57) and lowest in Kingri (11.11%). In conclusion, the study highlights a considerable burden of MTB and MDR-TB in the region, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis, targeted screening, and strengthened tuberculosis control strategies,