Frequency Of Rifampicin Resistance Among Sputum Smear Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis Cases By Real Time PCR

Abstract

Background: Drug resistance pattern is changing among new cases of sputum smear negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis in our local population as indicated by gradual rise in multidrug resistance, but no local data is available. Real Time PCR (GeneXpert) is latest development which may help us achieve the pattern of drug resistance. Objective of the present study was to determine the frequency of rifampicin resistance among sputum smear negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis cases by Real Time PCR (GeneXpert). Methodology: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted at department of pulmonology in Gulab Devi Chest Hospital/ Al-Aleem Medical College, Lahore from January 2018 to February 2019. After taking an informed consent of 210 patients having history and examination strongly suggestive of tuberculosis and sputum smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis were enrolled. Sputum was sent for GeneXpert analysis. Presence of rpo-B gene indicator of rifampicin resistance was noted. Results: Mean age was 31.9 ± 9.2 years and 109 (51.9%) were male while 101 (48.1%) were female. 17 patients (8.1%) had rifampicin resistance in the sampled population as determined by GeneXpert. There was no effect of gender, mean age, mean number of family members who previously had tuberculosis and mean duration of disease in both groups with and withoutresistance to rifampicin. Conclusion: It is concluded that rifampicin resistance in sputum sever negative pulmonary tuberculosis is quite high i.e., 8.1% so its reasons need to be identified. Key words: Sputum Smear Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis; GeneXpert;Primary Drug Resistance in TB; Multidrug Resistance TB; RifampicinResistance