Risk factors for extensively drug-resistent tuberculosis (XDR-TB)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23875862

Clin Respir J. 2013 Jul 22. doi: 10.1111/crj.12044. [Epub ahead of print]

RISK FACTORS FOR EXTENSIVELY DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS: A REVIEW.

de Lima BF, Tavares M.

Source

Master Programme in Medicine, University of Porto Medical School; Hospital de São João.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is emerging as a global public health problem. Its treatment is more expensive and difficult, and the outcomes much severe. The identification of risk factors for XDR-TB is of paramount importance to design effective TB control strategies.

OBJECTIVE:

to review of published on risk factors for XDR-TB.

METHODS:

We identified 249 English articles on Pubmed, 182 were excluded by the abstract. The remaining articles were retrieved for full text detailed evaluation by authors and 27 relevant articles were selected for final review.

RESULTS:

Some risk factors were consistently present, mainly previous TB treatment and its length. Other conditions often associated were immigration, alcoholism and HIV co-infection. Pre-XDR-TB points to an increased risk of XDR-TB.

CONCLUSION:

The information regarding determinants of XDR-TB is relatively weak . However, special emphasis should be given to minimize the risks of TB re-treatment to prevent the emergence of highly resistant TB.