Increase in Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Alberta Among Foreign-born Persons: Implications for Tuberculosis Management
Abstract
Globally, the prevalence of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance has been increasing. This study sought to identify trends in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among foreign-born persons in Alberta, a major immigrant-receiving province of Canada. Of the 2,234 foreign-born culture-positive TB cases in Alberta in 1982–2011, 27 had MDR-TB. Overall, MDR was associated with age <65 years, TB relapse/retreatment, and diagnosis and arrival in the last decade (2002–2011). Recent trends in the prevalence and clinical characteristics of foreign-born MDR-TB cases have important implications for TB case management in Canada. Early diagnosis of MDR-TB, using genotypic drug susceptibility testing, is suggested in foreign-born TB cases at increased risk of being MDR.
Notes
Gaps identified
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Key findings
Of the 2,234 foreign-born culture-positive TB cases in Alberta in 1982–2011, 27 had MDR-TB. Overall, MDR was associated with age <65 years, TB relapse/retreatment, and diagnosis and arrival in the last decade (2002–2011). Only immigrants from the Philippines and Vietnam showed a significant increase in the prevalence of MDR-TB between the first two decades and the last. Compared to MDR-TB cases reported in the first two decades, those reported in the last decade were more frequently younger than 35 years of age, new active versus relapse/retreatment cases and diagnosed with non-respiratory versus respiratory TB.
Key recommendations
Early diagnosis of MDR-TB, using genotypic drug susceptibility testing, is suggested in foreign-born TB cases at increased risk of being MDR.
Location
Alberta
Key populations
People who had Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Alberta
Community organizations
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Open-access – Yes
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03405649
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
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