Prevalence and Outcomes of Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis in Akwa Ibom State Nigeria: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

The emergence and management of multidrug resistant tuberculosis is a challenge for global tuberculosis control. This study determined treatment outcomes among a cohort of drug resistant tuberculosis(DR-TB) patients in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and identified factors associated with poor treatment outcomes. We conducted a retrospective study using data obtained from the DRTB register in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, and from the State DRTB community-based register managed by the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Unit of Akwa Ibom State for the period 2012 to 2020. Treatment outcomes were assessed for patients diagnosed with DR-TB, multidrug resistant Tuberculosis(MDR-TB). The prevalence of MDR-TB in this study was found to be 0.85/100000. Majority of the patients were aged 21-40years, male, newly diagnosed TB cases, and had no prior exposure to TB medications. Our findings revealed a low MDR-TB treatment success rate among patients, and about 15% died during treatment. Multivariable regression analysisshowed that none of the
patients’ characteristics had significant association with their treatment outcome.MDRTBremains a public threat in the study area. We recommend that surveillance and control of drug resistant TB should be emphasized by DOTs programs, through early detection of cases and routine investigations to assess for drug resistance.