[Tuberculosis resistant to treatment with antitubercular drugs. A study in the state of Chiapas, Mexico].
OBJECTIVE
To identify the frequency of drug resistant tuberculosis and to determine risk factors for its development in five health districts in the State of Chiapas, Mexico.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Primary care.


METHODS
Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosed between September 1 and December 31, 1995. Each patient responded to a questionnaire regarding epidemiological, diagnostic and treatment variables. Sputa were cultured, drug sensitivities and typing of micobacteria were obtained.


RESULTS
There were 142 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis confirmed by acid fast smear. The frequency of resistant M. tuberculosis in 61 positive cultures was 24.2%. Of these, 33.3% was resistant to one drug and 66.7% at two or more drugs. Resistance to isoniazide and rifampicin together was present in 66.7% of the cases. The most frequent resistance, 86.7%, was to isoniazide. A history of multitreatments, either completed or not, resulted in a risk factor 6.48 times greater for drug resistance and patients with a history of abandoning treatment presented an increased risk factor of 5.71.


CONCLUSIONS
Drug resistant tuberculosis y a serious problem in Chiapas that requires urgent attention if future control of the disease is to be maintained. The frequency of resistant tuberculosis is high, 24.2%, and the risk factors identified indicate a worsening of the situation with the accumulation of patients inadequeately treated without follow up until cure.
Alvarez Gordillo
G C
GC
Investigadora Asociada B, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México.
Sandoval Trujillo
H
H
Bojalil Jaber
L F
LF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018432:Drug Resistance, Multiple; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology
D000995:Antitubercular Agents