Abstract
SETTING AND OBJECTIVES: Drug-resistant tuberculosis was uncommon in Israel until 1985, when the waves of immigration began. We studied the incidence and clinical course of resistant pulmonary tuberculosis nationwide, DESIGN: Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis between 1985 and 1994 were surveyed, Data on 150 patients with resistance and 110 patients with drug- sensitive disease were reviewed. Ethnic origin, type of resistance, radiological findings and outcome were analysed. RESULTS: In total, 16.7% of the isolates showed resistance to at least one drug; 58% had resistance to multiple drugs. In 67% of the patients the resistance was primary. Most patients were immigrants from the former USSR and from Ethiopia; none were Israeli-born Jews. Mortality with resistance was 10%, and was highest (14%) with multiple drug resistance. Mortality among drug-resistant cases was lowest (3%) among Ethiopian Jews. Cavities and extensive disease were more common with drug resistance. CONCLUSION: Drug resistance has become relatively common in Israel due to immigration from the former USSR and Ethiopia. It is more extensive radiologically and carries a poorer outcome.
Original language | American English |
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Pages (from-to) | 689-694 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 8 |
State | Published - Aug 1999 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Mortality
- Outcome
- Primary and secondary resistance
- Radiographic findings