Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Prevalence and Risk Factors Among TB-Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Nawabshah, Sindh.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research was to ascertain the magnitude and determinants of multidrug resistant tuberculosis
(MDR-TB) among TB patients in Nawabshah.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Biosafety level (BSL-2) TB laboratory at PMC hospital Nawabshah
during August 2025 to October 2025. After getting informed consent sputum of 246 patients diagnosed as pulmonary
tuberculosis (PTB) was tested using GeneXpert test (using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction). This study
includes new as well as recurrent cases. The laboratory performed the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and Xpert MTB/XDR tests
to investigate rifampicin and isoniazid resistance respectively. Data collected on a structured questionnaire
Results: Among 246 PTB patients, the frequency of MDR-TB was 2.8%, with younger age groups accounting for nearly
70% of cases. The impact was disproportionately felt by urban residents, especially from densely populated areas. MDR
-TB was significantly associated with low socioeconomic status (72%) and educational attainment, with 68% of patients
having only primary or no formal education. Nearly two-thirds of cases were among low-skilled workers and unemployed
individuals. Patients who were married (61%), underweight (54%), or had a family history of tuberculosis (43%) were at
higher risk.
Conclusion: The study revealed a 2.8% prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) across population of
TB patients at Nawabshah, with high retreatment rates (3.84%). This finding underscores the need for effective control
programs, especially for the most vulnerable populations, and the importance of improving DOTS monitoring, awareness
initiatives, and access to remote areas to avoid travelling cost of patient and support for relapses.
Keywords: GeneXpert, Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB), Frequency and determinants.