Multidrug resistant tuberculosis in the isles

Background: Despite implementation of DOTS and tremendous effort by government Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major public health problem worldwide with multi drug resistant tuberculosis becoming a major area of concern. Aims and objectives: To evaluate the incidence of MDR-TB in the islands and describe the basic demographic correlates of new cases of MDR -TB. Methodology: Retrospective data mining on new cases of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis from state Tuberculosis control society under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme from January 2012 to December 2018. Results: Total number of MDR -TB cases from 2012 TO 2018 was 275 which included 172 males and 103 females. Incidence of multi drug resistant Tuberculosis varied from 2.09 to 15.19 per lakh population. Conclusion: The numbers of cases have increased from 2012 to 2018. Rapid diagnosis, treatment and surveillance are a must to fight the battle of MDR –TB.