Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, Taiwan
2008
Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Taiwan
Sample size: 215
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Yu Ming-Chih, Wu Mei-Hua, Jou Ruwen
Primary Institution: Taipei Medical University–Wan Fang Hospital
Conclusion
The study highlights the emergence of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) in Taiwan and the need for improved surveillance and treatment strategies.
Supporting Evidence
- 42.8% of the MDR isolates tested were resistant to fluoroquinolones.
- 10.3% of MDR isolates tested in 2004 were classified as XDR TB.
- 10.1% of MDR isolates tested in 2005 were classified as XDR TB.
Takeaway
In Taiwan, many tuberculosis cases are resistant to drugs, and some are extremely resistant, making treatment very difficult.
Methodology
The study involved testing 215 multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis isolates for drug resistance.
Limitations
The study data may underestimate the rate of XDR TB among MDR TB due to inadequate representative cases and methods.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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