How Lack of Full Drug-Susceptibility Data for TB Patients Can Lead to Resistance Amplification: Study

Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

A recent study conducted by HaystackAnalytics, along with Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, has uncovered concerning findings regarding drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in India. The research, which involved whole genome sequencing of 600 clinical samples from TB patients, revealed that pre-extensively drug-resistant TB (pre-XDR-TB) was present in a staggering 50.83% of presumptive multi-drug resistant tuberculosis cases.

Additionally, the study found that multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) was present in 15.5% of cases, with nearly equal proportions among men and women. MDR-TB is a form of TB that is resistant to at least two of the most powerful anti-TB drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin.

Of particular concern is the prevalence of extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), a rare type of MDR-TB that is resistant to multiple drugs and poses a significant challenge in terms of treatment. The study also found resistance to rifampicin, isoniazid, and fluoroquinolones, which are commonly used drugs for TB treatment and other infections.

The findings of this study shed light on the dynamics of TB in India and highlight the growing problem of drug-resistant strains. In 2020 alone, over 1.35 lakh cases were classified as multi-drug resistant TB in the country, underscoring the urgent need for effective management and control measures.

Anirvan Chatterjee, CEO and co-founder of HaystackAnalytics, has emphasized the importance of rethinking current approaches to TB management in light of these findings. The study serves as a wakeup call to the medical community and policymakers to address the challenges posed by drug-resistant TB and work towards innovative solutions for prevention and treatment.