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Antitubercular agents

Unfavorable Outcomes in Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment: A Study

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A team of researchers from the Walter Sisulu University has identified several factors that significantly influence the treatment outcomes of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) patients. The study, published in the African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, highlights the importance of a multidimensional approach in improving DR-TB treatment outcomes. The research team examined variables such as body mass index (BMI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, substance use, and DR-TB type to predict treatment outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study revealed a weak association between lower BMI and reduced treatment success, with an odds ratio of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.81-1.05).
  • HIV-positive status was marginally associated with lower treatment success, with an odds ratio of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.75-1.12).
  • Income level and substance use emerged as stronger predictors of treatment success, with substance use exhibiting an odds ratio of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.60-0.88).
  • Among DR-TB types, extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis patients exhibited the poorest outcomes, with an odds ratio of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.40-0.75).
  • The multivariate model achieved an accuracy of 63.1%, indicating limited predictive power of BMI and HIV alone.
  • The study highlights the significant influence of comorbidities, socioeconomic status, and behavioural factors on DR-TB treatment outcomes.
  • Customized interventions are essential for DR-TB patients with severe or complex comorbidities.

Statistics:

  • 200 patient medical records were utilized in the study.
  • 63.1% accuracy was achieved by the multivariate model.
  • Odds Ratio (OR) values for various predictors:

+ BMI: 0.92 (95% CI: 0.81-1.05)

+ HIV-positive status: 0.89 (95% CI: 0.75-1.12)

+ Substance use: 0.72 (95% CI: 0.60-0.88)

+ Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis: 0.55 (95% CI: 0.40-0.75)

  • 17.1% of participants in the study were HIV-positive.

Sources:

  • Predictors of drug-resistant TB outcomes: Body mass index, HIV, and comorbidities. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 2025, 17(1): e1-e7.
  • (African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine - http://www.phcfm.org)
  • (Publisher: AOSIS)
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4953
  • Walter Sisulu University Researchers Focus on HIV/AIDS (Predictors of drug-resistant TB outcomes: Body mass index, HIV, and comorbidities). AIDS Weekly. October 20, 2025; p 249.

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