Drug Resistance Patterns among XDR-TB Patients visiting a TB Centre at a Tertiary Health Care Facility

Background: Resistance to MDR TB has additional resistance to fluoroquinolones and second line injectables it is defined as XDR-TB. The present study is designed to evaluate drug resistance patterns in such XDR patients. Aims and Objectives: To study drug resistance patterns in XDR-TB patients. Material and Methods: Researcher carried out a cross-sectional study over a period of two years. In this study, 43 patients were studied. The criteria used to observe was that – Newly diagnosed cases of XDR-TB patients by using the second line Drug Sensitivity Testing (DST). This method was used at an accredited RNTCP lab regardless of age and gender of the patients. Further, demographic, clinical and treatment data were analyzed in terms of drug sensitivity of the patients. Results: 48.83% of patients showed resistance with fluoroquinolone, 20.93% showed resistance with XDR with Second line injectables, 30.23% with flouroquinolones + second line injectibles. Maximum resistance was seen in Ofloxacin (81.4%) followed by kanamycin (44.2%). 41.86% patients were diabetics showing that drug resistance was more prevalent in these population. Maximum defaulters (80%) were from the lower class. Conclusion: Flouroquinolones and second-line drugs must be administered rationally and considerately to prevent the widespread drug resistance. The role played by diabetes and lower socio economic status in the emergence of drug resistance must not be undermined.