Rifampicin resistance among notified pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases in South-Southern Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Rifampicin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (RR-PTB) remains a global health burden especially in low income countries and among HIV positive individuals. OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to measure the prevalence of RR-PTB among confirmed PTB cases in Delta State South-Southern, Nigeria and to determine the correlation between various factors affecting the prevalence of RRTB among notified pulmonary TB cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is cross-sectional and retrospective in design and was carried out in Delta State, South-Southern Nigeria among participants with notified pulmonary TB cases. Gene Xpert registers for the selected facilities (Central Hospital Warri, Central Hospital Sapele and Federal Medical Center Asaba) for the year 2017 were retrieved, data extracted and analyzed. RESULT: Prevalence of RR-PTB was 7.3% (47/643). Majority (11.3% and 11.4%) of RR-PTB cases were among ages 0–20 and 61–80 years respectively. The male group and HIV negative participants gave rates of 9.1% and 7.8% respectively. Rates reported for location of residence revealed that Delta Central had a rate that doubled Delta South and tripled Delta North. CONCLUSION: Although our study figures are lower when compared to other reports for the study region, age grades 0–20 and 61–80 years, the male gender and residence in Delta Central were highlighted as independent variables that influence the distribution of RR-PTB. While a call for the sustenance and if possible augmentation of control and eradication efforts is of high essence, further studies aimed at identifying and understanding co-variables to the ones highlighted are recommended.