Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, Lesotho
2008

Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Lesotho

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Satti Hind, Seung Kwonjune, Keshavjee Salmaan, Furin Jennifer

Primary Institution: Partners In Health, Maseru, Lesotho

Hypothesis

The spread of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) is linked to transnational work in South Africa.

Conclusion

The case highlights the significant risk of XDR TB spread due to migrant labor and the need for international health collaboration.

Supporting Evidence

  • Lesotho has a high prevalence of TB and HIV, which complicates treatment.
  • The patient had a history of multiple TB treatments before being diagnosed with XDR TB.
  • XDR TB was confirmed through drug susceptibility testing.
  • The patient died of his disease, highlighting the severity of XDR TB.

Takeaway

A man from Lesotho got very sick with a tough kind of tuberculosis after working in South Africa, showing how diseases can travel with people.

Methodology

The case was documented through health records and follow-up visits by a village health worker.

Limitations

The report is based on a single case and does not provide broader epidemiological data.

Participant Demographics

The patient was a 44-year-old male with a history of TB treatment.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1406.071654

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