A study on pattern of resistance to second line anti tubercular drugs among multi drug resistant tuberculosis patients

Aims and objectives

To determine the prevalence and pattern of resistance to second line drugs among multi drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis patients being treated on category IV regimen.

Methodology

This study was conducted at Department of Respiratory Medicine, J.L.N. Medical College, Ajmer in collaboration with IRL, STDC, Ajmer. Second line anti tubercular drug sensitivity for 398 multi drug resistant tuberculosis patients (between June-2015 and June-2016) was done to find out prevalence and pattern of resistance to second line drugs. Second line drug sensitivity was performed at accredited laboratory, Microbiology department, S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur.

Results

Among these 398 patients, 136 (34.17%) were resistant to fluoroquinolones (Ofloxacin) (Pre XDR); 18 (4.52%) were resistant to one of the aminoglycosides (Inj. Kanamycin, Capreomycin, Amikacin) (Pre XDR); while 22 (5.53%) patients were resistant to fluoroquinolones as well as aminoglycosides (XDR). 148 (37.18%) patients were found sensitive to both the drugs. Samples of 41 (10.3%) patients were contaminated and no growth was seen in 33 (8.29%) patients.

Conclusion

Nearly half of the multi drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis patients (44.22%) being treated on category IV regimen also have resistance to either fluoroquinolones or aminoglycosides or both i.e. Pre XDR or XDR. This may result in poor outcome of category IV regimen under RNTCP. There is a strong need for provision of culture sensitivity for all first line drugs and at least two second line drugs viz. Fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides for all the patients registered as smear positive under RNTCP. There is also a need for development of rapid culture technique for sensitivity to second line drugs.