Resistance pattern and profile of patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis at a tertiary care center

Abstract Background: Studies on resistance pattern and profile of patients with drug resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) are valuable as they provide insights into what are the rates of DRTB locally. Based on these data, treatment may be optimized. They also help in prevention of spread of DRTB elsewhere due to appropriate treatment. Objective: The objective is to study drug resistance pattern and profile of patients with DRTB. Materials and Methods: The present study was record-based study among records of 194 DRTB patients from December 2021 to May 2024. Their age, sex, height, and weight were recorded. From height and weight, body mass index was calculated. Patient status like pulmonary or extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) was noted. Resistance pattern was also observed. Results: The incidence of DRTB was most common in 19–39 years (47.9%). Males were more affected (70.1%). Underweight was most common (78.3%). Pulmonary TB was most common form of TB (93.3%). Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) was most commonly seen (64.9%). Pre-extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) was next common (14.9%). XDR-TB was seen in only two cases. Majority (46.9%) were started on shorter oral regimen (Bedaquiline) followed by all oral longer regimen in 34%. All cases of extrapulmonary TB had MDR-TB and no one had XDR-TB or pre-XDR-TB. Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that young adults, males were commonly affected. Underweight is very common in these cases. Pulmonary TB is the leading form of TB in DRTB patients. XDR-TB is not so common form in DRTB cases. Pre-XDR-TB is more common than XDR-TB.