Resistance pattern of mycoba cterium tuberculosis to five anti-tuberculosis drugs in the state of Qatar : prior to the application of dots and expatriates screening program

Abstract EN

To determine the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) resistance pattern against Jive first line drugs, data from collected '،٢'،’* the Qatar National Tuberculosis Registry and analysed for the period 1985 to 1987.

Of 148 patients with positive M'TB cultures 36.5 % were resistant to one or more anti-tuberculosis drugs.

The distribution ofprimary and acquired resistance amongst nationals and immigrant workers is discussed.

An unusual finding was a highpyrazi-Iianiide monoresistance especially in the primary isolates.

It is recommended that initial therapy should commence with a regimen of four drugs until sensitivity test results are available.