Understanding the Epidemiology of Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis

A study of South African patients indicates that most cases arise through transmission rather than treatment failure.

One of the major global healthcare concerns has been the emergence of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). Given the marked increase in cases seen in South Africa in the last 10 years, researchers undertook a detailed investigation to determine whether these cases were developing due to acquisition of drug resistance in patients with previously susceptible strains of TB, or to transmission of strains that were already extensively drug-resistant. Clinical and microbiologic data were collected on patients with XDR-TB in a single South African province from 2011 through 2014.

Among 1027 patients identified with XDR-TB, a convenience sample of 404 patients was enrolled in the study; median age was 34 years, 50% lived in a rural sett…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Understanding the Epidemiology of Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis

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Reviewing Author