Drug Resistance in Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Ethiopia
Author Information
Author(s): Mollalign Hilina, Alemayehu Dawit Hailu, Beyene Dereje, Melaku Kalkidan, Ayele Abaysew, Chala Dawit, Diriba Getu, Yenew Bazezew, Getahun Muluwork, Adnew Bethlehem, Moga Shewki, Collins Jeffrey Michael, Ghodousi Arash, Bobosha Kidist, Wassie Liya
Hypothesis
The study aimed to explore the magnitude of phenotypic drug resistance and identify genetic mutations linked to resistance among extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients.
Conclusion
MDR-TB, Hr-TB, and interim-RMR-TB are significant public health challenges in Ethiopia, and whole genome sequencing is crucial for detecting resistant strains.
Supporting Evidence
- 16.9% of study participants showed phenotypic resistance to at least one anti-TB drug.
- MDR-TB prevalence was 2.4% among newly diagnosed and 21.1% among previously treated cases.
- WGS identified more rifampicin-resistant genotypes compared to phenotypic testing.
- A putative compensatory mutation for rifampicin was identified for the first time in Ethiopia.
- There was a strong agreement between phenotypic testing and WGS for detecting rifampicin-resistant TB.
Takeaway
The study found that some tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia have drug-resistant forms of the disease, and new testing methods can help find these cases better.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study using phenotypic drug sensitivity testing and whole genome sequencing on Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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