Spread of Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Moodley Prashini, Shah N. Sarita, Tayob Nabihah, Connolly Cathy, Zetola Nicola, Gandhi Neel, Friedland Gerald, Sturm A. Willem
Primary Institution: KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH), Durban, South Africa
Hypothesis
XDR tuberculosis is present throughout KwaZulu-Natal Province.
Conclusion
XDR-TB is present throughout KZN, with more than 65% of diagnosed MDR-TB cases left untreated.
Supporting Evidence
- 20% of patients had MDR-TB cases.
- 11% of MDR-TB cases displayed the XDR susceptibility profile.
- The proportion of XDR-TB was highest in the Msinga sub-district at 19.6%.
- The number of hospitals with at least one XDR-TB case increased from 18 to 58 during the study.
Takeaway
This study found that many people with a serious type of tuberculosis weren't getting the help they needed, which could make the disease spread more.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study analyzing the KZN tuberculosis laboratory database from January 2006 to June 2007.
Potential Biases
Potential underestimation of MDR and XDR cases due to reliance on culture-confirmed cases.
Limitations
Data on clinical symptoms, treatment outcomes, and HIV status were not available.
Participant Demographics
Patients included were from KwaZulu-Natal Province, with a significant number being HIV-infected.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.21–0.51
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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