Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex: Detection and patterns of resistance to the first line anti-TB drugs at the King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Saudi Arabia

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Continued surveillance of drug susceptibility help determining treatment regimen by anti-tuberculous drugs. Gene Xpert PCR sensitivity was compared to the liquid culture media by Versa TREK for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex(MTBC). Rates, patterns and types of anti-tuberculosis drug- resistance atKing Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, KSA were determined from January 2013 to June 2014.A total of 101 tuberculous patients were included, 43 Saudi tuberculous patients and 58 non-Saudi tuberculous patients. All resistances detected were primary resistances. PCR Sensitivities for detection of MTBC were 29.4%, 80%, 87.5%, 77.8% and 100% in AFB-negative samples and AFB +1,+2,+3 and +4 positive samples respectively. MTBC percentage detected by PCR was 88.1% in AFB-positive samples and 29.9% in AFB-negative ones. Versa Trek detection time was 15.01±7.32 days in AFB-positive samples and 26.63±6.7 days in AFB-negative ones. MTBC pyrazinamide resistance was (13.86%), followed by streptomycin (7.9%), rifampicin (3.96%) and isoniazid (3.96%). Mono-resistance percentages to pyrazinamide, rifampicin and isoniazid were 11.88%, 1.98% and 0.99% respectively. MDR-TB were 1.98% and anti-TB resistance percentage was 24.75%. There was no significant difference between Saudi and non-Saudi tuberculous patients regarding anti- tuberculous drugs resistance.