Abstract

Nihal Ezzariga*, Abdellah Lotfy, Amal Rhars, Mohamed Aghrouch and Zohra Lemkhente

ABSTRACT

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a serious public health problem especially in developing countries. Our aim is to determine the bacteriological epidemiological characteristics of MDR TB in Southern Region of Morocco. We conducted a retrospective and descriptive study of MDR-TB cases monitored in the Souss Massa region during the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021. The study variables were: age, sex, region of origin, period (years), type of tuberculosis, HIV status, and drug resistance. During the study period, 9,111 cases of tuberculosis of all forms were recorded in the Souss Massa region, of which 50 cases were confirmed to be multidrug-resistant. The MDR TB rate was 0.55% of which 10% were pre XDR. The average age of patients was 39 years. The age group most affected was 20-40 years (44%). A male predominance was noted (sex ratio of 3.08). The distribution of tuberculosis drug resistance cases in the different prefectures and provinces of the Souss Massa region was: TAROUDANNT 46%, INEZGANE 30%, AGADIR 10%, CHTOUKA AIT BAHA 8%, TIZNIT 4% and TATA 2%. The location of tuberculosis was pulmonary in 100% of cases and three patients had positive HIV serology. The prevalence of resistant TB has been increasing in recent years due to advances in molecular diagnostic tests offering results within hours.