Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Poland: Results of a Nationwide Survey, 1997 To 2012

The knowledge of the prevalence of drug resistant tuberculosis in the population is important information about the epidemiology of the disease in the country. In Poland, the incidences of drug-resistant tuberculosis have been monitored since the early years of chemotherapy. In the period from 1997 to 2012 were four prospective studies covering the whole country. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence primary and acquired drug resistance of M. tuberculosis strains isolated from patients in Poland in 2012, compared with the results obtained in previous studies (1997-2008). Material and methods: The material for the work was taken from 4781 tuberculosis patients excreting susceptible and drug resistant bacilli during the 12-months from 1st January to 31st December 2012. Data about patients were collected based on the results of routine diagnostic tests carried out in tuberculosis laboratories. Division by age group, verification and analysis of data was performed according to WHO recommendations. Drug susceptibility testing was performed on solid medium (L-J) by proportion method and liquid medium using the Bactec MGIT 960 system. Results: In this study we were included 4136 patients with tuberculosis (86.9% new and 13.1% treated cases). Among 3596 studied untreated patients 157 (4.4%) excreting drug resistant bacilli. MDR-TB was found in 12 (0.6%) patients and bacilli resistant to 4 drugs in 7 patients (0.2%).Among previously treated patients 63 (11.7%) excreting drug resistant bacilli. MDR-TB was found in 24 patients (4.4%), bacilli resistant to 3 drugs SM+INH+RMP (11 patients – 2.0%) and 4 drugs SM+INH+RMP+EMB (6 patients – 1.1%). Conclusions: Among untreated patients 157 (4.4%) excreting drug resistant bacilli, in previously treated patients 63 (11.7%). Excreting drug resistant bacilli MDR-TB was more often in previously treated (4.4%) than untreated patients (0.6%).