Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Denmark 1993-1995.

SETTING

All bacteriologically confirmed new cases of tuberculosis and treatment relapses in Denmark are examined for drug resistance. In the years 1993-1995, nine cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), all acquired outside Denmark, were identified among 1354 cases of tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE

To examine incidence, treatment and prognosis for patients with tuberculosis due to MDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective evaluation of routine data.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSION

Multidrug resistance was present in less than one present of patients with tuberculosis. One patient died from tuberculosis without revision of treatment, and eight patients responded favourably to a regimen of pyrazinamide, streptomycin or amikacin, ofloxacin and cycloserine. In two patients, this regimen was supplemented with para-aminosalicylic acid and thiacetazone respectively. All patients needed prolonged hospitalization and had observed treatment. It is possible to cure such patients, but it is a lengthy and expensive process. It is expected that similar cases will be imported into the country and that they will occur within Denmark in the future.