Epidemiological Trends and Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Burden in Vikarabad District:  A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Gangabhavani  Pothuraju; Dr. Sabaa Naaz; Dr. Bushra; Syed Touseef  Banu

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1860

Authors

Dr. Gangabhavani Pothuraju Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Vikarabad, Telangana, India
Dr. Sabaa Naaz Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Government medical College, Vikarabad, Telangana, India
Dr. Bushra Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Government medical College, Vikarabad, Telangana, India
Dr. Syed Touseef Banu Senior Resident, Department of Microbiology, CMR Institute of Medical Sciences, Telangana, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1860

Keywords:

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, Vikarabad, Drug resistance, GeneXpert, Treatment outcomes, Cross-sectional study, Tuberculosis control

Abstract

Background:

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a public health concern, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Limited data exist on the regional burden and epidemiological patterns of MDR-TB in Vikarabad district, Telangana, India. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical characteristics, prevalence of drug resistance, and treatment outcomes among patients diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from October 2023 to January 2025 across DOTS centers in Vikarabad district. A total of 300 bacteriologically confirmed TB patients were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data were collected using structured case records. Drug susceptibility testing (DST) for rifampicin and isoniazid was performed using GeneXpert and line probe assays. Treatment outcomes were evaluated per national TB program guidelines.

Results:

The mean age of participants was 38.4 ± 14.7 years, with 66% being male and 59% residing in rural areas. Pulmonary TB accounted for 81% of cases. Of the total sample, 24% were previously treated TB cases. Rifampicin resistance was detected in 6% of participants; MDR-TB was confirmed in 4%. Notably, 13.9% of previously treated cases were MDR-TB, compared to 0.9% in new cases. Treatment success was achieved in 80% of patients overall, but only 58.3% among MDR-TB cases. Drug-sensitive TB patients had a significantly higher success rate of 82.2%.

Conclusion:

MDR-TB remains a considerable burden in Vikarabad, particularly among previously treated TB cases. Targeted DST, robust follow-up, and community-based adherence strategies are essential to improve outcomes and reduce transmission.

Recommendations:

Enhance early DST access, strengthen treatment adherence monitoring, integrate TB counseling at primary care, and ensure continuous drug supply and follow-up systems to effectively manage MDR-TB in high-risk rural populations.

Author Biographies

Dr. Gangabhavani Pothuraju, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Vikarabad, Telangana, India

Dr. Gangabhavani Pothuraju is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Government Medical College, Vikarabad, Telangana, India. She completed her MBBS from Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, and earned her MD in Microbiology from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad. She previously served as an Assistant Professor at Osmania Medical College. Dr. Pothuraju has contributed extensively to the field of microbiology, with numerous publications in esteemed national and international journals. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4256-0041

Dr. Sabaa Naaz, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Government medical College, Vikarabad, Telangana, India

Dr. Sabaa Naaz, MD, DNB, is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Government Medical College, Vikarabad, Telangana, India. She obtained her MBBS from Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad, and completed her MD in Microbiology at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad. With three years of teaching experience, she has published one research paper and has a keen interest in infectious disease research. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2088-1178

Dr. Bushra, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Government medical College, Vikarabad, Telangana, India

Dr. Bushra is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Government Medical College, Vikarabad, Telangana, India. She completed her MBBS from Dr. V.R.K. Women’s Medical College, Hyderabad, and pursued her MD in Microbiology from Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, Telangana. She has one year of teaching experience and is actively involved in academic and research activities. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2109-3144

Dr. Syed Touseef Banu, Senior Resident, Department of Microbiology, CMR Institute of Medical Sciences, Telangana, India.

Dr. Syed Touseef Banu is currently serving as a Senior Resident in the Department of Medical Microbiology at CMR Institute of Medical Sciences, Telangana, India. She completed her MBBS from Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences, Telangana, followed by an MD in Medical Microbiology from Osmania Medical College and General Hospital, Telangana. She has six months of senior residency experience in Medical Microbiology and has published two research papers. She also holds a national certification as a Certified Infection Control Professional (CICP) awarded by CAHO. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9343-6799

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