Anti-tuberculosis drug resistance in Ethiopia: systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs threatens to undermine effective control of tuberculosis (TB). In areas with weak TB control and misuse of anti-tuberculosis drugs, hotspots of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) have appeared. The aim of this review is to determine the prevalence rate of any anti-tuberculosis drug resistance, monoresistance and MDR-TB in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature on any resistance, monoresistance and MDR-TB was conducted.

RESULTS

Of the total 468 articles found using electronic search, 14 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The prevalence rate of any drug resistance, polyresistance and MDR-TB was respectively 6.7-72.9%, 0-54% and 0-46%. A higher rate of streptomycin monoresistance (1.5-20.4%) was observed.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence and distribution of drug-resistant TB remains a serious public health problem in Ethiopia. Rapid, advanced diagnostic tools should be introduced, along with strong treatment and follow-up strategies.