Background

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) remains a major global public health challenge and threatens progress toward tuberculosis elimination goals. Resistance to first-line anti-tuberculosis medications, particularly multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), contributes to increased morbidity, mortality, healthcare costs, and treatment complexity.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment outcomes, and epidemiological patterns of patients diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Methods

A multicenter observational study was conducted among 1,200 patients diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed drug-resistant tuberculosis. Clinical records, microbiological findings, radiological data, treatment history, and outcomes were analyzed over a 24-month period. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and survival analysis.

Results

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis accounted for 78.3% of cases, while extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis represented 12.4%. Previous tuberculosis treatment, treatment interruption, HIV co-infection, smoking, malnutrition, and diabetes mellitus were significant predictors of drug resistance. Cavitary lung lesions, prolonged cough, weight loss, and hemoptysis were common clinical manifestations. Treatment success was achieved in 68.7% of patients, while mortality reached 14.2%.

Conclusion

Drug-resistant tuberculosis remains a significant threat to global tuberculosis control. Early diagnosis, rapid drug susceptibility testing, treatment adherence support, and comprehensive public health interventions are critical for improving outcomes and reducing transmission.