Risk factors for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Hong Kong.
METHODS
Previous anti-tuberculosis treatment is a widely reported risk factor for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), whereas other risk factors are less well described. In Hong Kong, the clinical characteristics of MDR-TB have not been systematically evaluated.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the risk factors for MDR-TB in Hong Kong.


METHODS
MDR-TB patients treated between 1999 and 2003 were compared with non-MDR-TB patients by stratification of previous anti-tuberculosis treatment.


RESULTS
One hundred and fifty-six MDR-TB patients, including 93 with and 63 without a previous history of anti-tuberculosis treatment, were identified. Among the 322 non-MDR-TB controls, respectively 192 and 130 patients did and did not have a previous history of anti-tuberculosis treatment. Using logistic regression analysis, non-permanent residents (OR 6.85, 95%CI 1.38-34.09), frequent travel (OR 2.48, 95%CI 1.07-5.74) and younger age were found to be independent predictors of MDR-TB in previously treated patients, whereas living on financial assistance just failed to reach statistical significance (OR 2.75, 95%CI 0.98-7.68, P=0.05). In the treatment-naïve group, despite significant differences in baseline characteristics among MDR-TB and non-MDR-TB patients, no independent predictor variables could be identified.


CONCLUSIONS
In Hong Kong, non-permanent residents, frequent travel and young age were independent predictors of MDR-TB among previously treated patients.
Law
W S
WS
Tuberculosis and Chest Service, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong, China. ws_law@dh.gov.hk
Yew
W W
WW
Chiu Leung
C
C
Kam
K M
KM
Tam
C M
CM
Chan
C K
CK
Leung
C C
CC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012042:Registries; D012307:Risk Factors; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / Q000453:epidemiology*
D000995:Antitubercular Agents