Epidemiology and spatial distribution of cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (mdr-tb) in Brazil, 2008-2012

Abstract

Backgound and Objectives: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is defined as resistance to at least rifampicin and isoniazid, important drugs in TB treatment. It represents an important public health problem in Brazil and worldwide, considering its implications on the morbimortality of affected patients. Given this context, this study aims to describe the epidemiological and spatial characteristics of MDR-TB in Brazil. Methods: This is a retrospective study of MDR-TB cases diagnosed in Brazil between 2008 and 2012. The sample consisted of cases reported to SINAN, totaling 645 cases according to variables related to time (year), space (place of occurrence) and the individual (characteristics of the disease in the studied populations). Descriptive analyses were performed using the software Microsoft Excel 2010® and TabWin 3.2®. Results: Of the 645 cases analyzed, 65.74% patients were male, with a wide age range and a higher prevalence between 20 and 60 years (81.24%) in mixed ethnicity (45.27%) and individuals with low educational level. There was little association between MDR-TB and HIV (8.68%). Pulmonary disease was frequent (92.4%). Rio de Janeiro (25.74%), Rio Grande do Sul (12.84%) and Pará (8.99%) have most of the cases. The percentage of patients who developed MDR-TB from TB was higher in Roraima (0.68%). Conclusion: This study allowed us to understand the general characteristics of MDR-TB in Brazil and its spatial distribution in the states. The development of effective public policies for TB control starts with the knowledge of its characteristics in the affected populations, as well as the identification and adequate treatment of cases aiming to reduce multidrug resistance cases