ASSESSMENT OF MULTIDRUG-RESISTANCE TUBERCULOSIS: CLINICAL PATTERNS, RESISTANCE AND OUTCOMES IN A SOUTHERN COASTAL REGION TEACHING HOSPITAL

Background:Our study was focused Multi Drug resistance tuberculosis and their management in southern coastal region in India. Objectives:1]To study the age,gender,and treatment history of MDR TB patients. 2] To evaluate treatment outcomes under the standard RNTCP regimens. 3] to access drug resistance patterns among MDR-TB cases. 4] To emphasize the need for improved TB control and patient support. Methodology:A Retrospective record based study was conducted among the patient who was diagnosed for Multidrug resistant Tuberculosis and admitted in the government medical college and hospital,Nagapattinam for over a period of 6 months, from December 2024 - May 2025. Conclusion:This study highlights the major challenges in managing TB,especially multi drug resistant TB (MDR-TB), due to a high proportion of previously treated cases and significant drug resistance. To address this, there is an urgent need to strengthen TB control programs through enhanced patient adherence strategies(e.g.,counselling,DOT, digital tools), early drug susceptibility testing, and wider access to newer MDR-TB treatment regimens. Additionally, strong surveillance systems and pharmacovigilance are vital to track treatment outcomes and adverse reactions. Community education and reducing stigma are also crucial to encourage early diagnosis and treatment.Overall,targeted and coordinated interventions are essential to improve patient outcomes and prevent the spread of drug-resistant TB strains.