THE INCIDENCE OF RESISTANCE TO ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS DRUGS AMONG DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN.

In recent years, the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in the world has remained tense. One of the main reasons for the epidemiological tension is the rapid increase in resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs. The status and frequency of resistance among different categories of tuberculosis patients in the Republic of Azerbaijan have been investigated. In the last three years (2021-2023), sputum and other examination materials of 11,093 tuberculosis patients in our country were sent to the "National Reference" laboratory for susceptibility testing. 40.7% of those examined are initially registered, and 59,3% are recurrent patients. Resistance to various types of drugs was detected in 20,4% of initially registered patients and 31,2% of repetitive ones. Among the examined patients, the highest frequency of Mono-H and Poly-resistance (HS, HE, HSE) was found in those who did not previously applied to anti-tuberculosis institutions - 66,9%, in initially registered patients - 38,9%, in relapses - 36,7%, in those who violated the treatment regimen - 25,1%, and the least in patients after unsuccessful treatment - 15,0%. Mono, Poly-resistance (R, RS, RE, RSE) was found in 36,9% of those who violated the treatment regimen, 36.4% after unsuccessful treatment, 35.2% in relapses, 27,8% in initially registered patients, and 10,7% among those who had not previously registered. The level of MDR was higher among those who failed treatment and violated the treatment regimen. Thus, they are 32,0% and 24,9%, respectively. The incidence of GDD forms, 16,5%, was observed most often among patients with unsuccessful treatment. One of the main reasons for the epidemiological tension is the high prevalence of broad-spectrum drug resistance among persistent forms (49,2%). The increase in resistance among relapsers and treatment defaulters (20,1% and 19,9%, respectively) is one of the main reasons for the low treatment effectiveness.