Clinical Profiles of Multidrug-Resistant and Rifampicin-Monoresistant Tuberculosis in Korea, 2018–2021: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
- Author:
Jinsoo MIN
1
;
Yousang KO
;
Hyung Woo KIM
;
Hyeon-Kyoung KOO
;
Jee Youn OH
;
Doosoo JEON
;
Taehoon LEE
;
Young-Chul KIM
;
Sung Chul LIM
;
Sung Soon LEE
;
Jae Seuk PARK
;
Ju Sang KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2025;88(1):159-169
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of multidrug-resistant/ rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) in the Republic of Korea.
Methods:Data of notified people with tuberculosis between July 2018 and December 2021 were retrieved from the Korea Tuberculosis Cohort database. MDR/RR-TB was further categorized according to isoniazid susceptibility as follows: multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), rifampicin-monoresistant tuberculosis (RMR-TB), and RR-TB if susceptibility to isoniazid was unknown. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with MDR/RR-TB.
Results:Between 2018 and 2021, the proportion of MDR/RR-TB cases among all TB cases and TB cases with known drug susceptibility test results was 2.1% (502/24,447). The proportions of MDR/RR-TB and MDR-TB cases among TB cases with known drug susceptibility test results were 3.3% (502/15,071) and 1.9% (292/15,071), respectively. Among all cases of rifampicin resistance, 31.7% (159/502) were RMR-TB and 10.2% (51/502) were RR-TB. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that younger age, foreigners, and prior tuberculosis history were significantly associated with MDR/ RR-TB.
Conclusion:Rapid identification of rifampicin resistance targeting the high-risk populations, such as younger generations, foreign-born individuals, and previously treated patients are necessary for patient-centered care.
