PATTERN OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS DRUG RESISTANCE IN PREVIOUSLY TREATED CASES IN IRAQ

Abstract

Background: The resistance of certain Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains to anti-tuberculosis drugs is not a new phenomenon. It is man-made amplification of natural phenomenon.Objectives: 1- To provide scientifically based information on the burden of Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance in Iraq. 2- To compare the pattern of this resistance in Iraq with that in the other countries. Methods: A total 411 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who have already received at least one month of anti-tuberculosis therapy were selected. Sputum cultures and drug sensitivity tests for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were arranged. Results: Resistance to rifampicin, isoniazid, streptomycin and ethambutol was noted in 52 (24.4%), 22 (10.3%), 21 (9.9%) and 8 (3.8%) of isolates respectively. Multidrug and four-drug resistance was found in 52 (24.4%) and 24 (11.3%) respectively. Rifampicin resistance in any form was noted in 146 (68.5%).Conclusion: The magnitude of Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance in Iraq found to be relatively high. Key wards: tuberculosis; antituberculous drugs resistance; multidrug resistance; drug resistance