TRENDS OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS AND RIFAMPICIN RESISTANCE AT WOLKITE HEALTH CENTER, GURAGE ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten causes of mortality and the first killer among infectious diseases worldwide. Drug resistance in TB remains a man-made phenomenon. It emerges as a result of spontaneous gene mutations in M. tuberculosis that render the bacteria resistant to the most commonly used anti-TB drugs, is a major global health problem. Rapid detection, earlier treatment initiation, continuous surveillance, and regular monitoring of drug resistant TB are essential for disease management and control program. Objective: To assess trends of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in Wolkite health center from 2020 – 2023 G.C. Methods: Retrospective study was conducted from June to August 15, 2023 GC. to determine trend analysis of prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in the last 4 years at Wolkite health center in Gurage zone. Data collection was done from laboratory registration logbook by using standard checklist. The data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS statistical software package. Descriptive summary values such as frequency and percentage was presented using tables and graphs. Result: From the total of 2411participants, the overall prevalence of MTB was 19.2% (462/2411). High prevalence was observed among male participants which, accountes about 294(63.6%). TB was reported in higher rate in the age groups 16-30 years, with a prevalence rate of 166(35.9%) followed by 31-45 years with a prevalence rate of 129(27.9%). From the total TB positive participants about, 47(10.17%) were Rifampin resistant. In each year from 2020 to 2023 EC, the prevalence of pulmonary TB was 16.78% (115/686), 17.85% (118/661), 20.65% (127/615) and 22.7% (102/449) respectively. And MDR-TB (Rifampicin Resistance) was 12.17% (14/115), 10.17% (12/118)14.5% (18/127) and 2.94% (3/102) respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the overall prevalence of MTB was 19.2% (462/2411) with slightly increasing in the last year. From the total TB positive participants about, 47(10.17%) were Rifampin resistant. Therefore, maximizing early visit to health institutions and detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and enhancing active health education and intervention for tuberculosis are forwarded to reduce the threat of disease.