Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a majorpublic health problem because treatment is complicated;cure -rates are below those for drug-susceptible T.B., and patients may remain infectious for months or years despite receiving the best available therapy. The phenomenon of resistance was detected soon after the introduction of streptomycin for treatment of T.B.
OBJECTIVE:
To identify prevalence of MDR- TB patients in Baghdad.
PATIENT AND METHOD :
Across-sectional study, over a period of 1 YEAR (from January to December2012) had been carried out in Baghdad in order to identify the prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis in previously treated patients. 168 patients (112male and 56female) sputum smear positive patients were investigated at Chest and Respiratory institute by questionnaire about previous treatment then sent for drug susceptibility testing byegg-based solid medium of Lowenstein.
RESULTS:
An isolated drug resistance to streptomycin,isoniazid,Rifampicin and Ethambutul of 2.4% , 2.4% , 14.3% and 1.1% respectively. But MDR.TB.Of8.3 %( for more than one drug resistance).
CONCLUSION :
The high prevalence of M.D.R.T.B. and high prevalence of Rifampicin are the most alarming because of badmedical and social situation in Iraq now.