Drug resistant tuberculosis in the elderly and related factors in Ningbo

Objective To understand the prevalence of drug resistant tuberculosis(TB) in the elderly in Ningbo and provide evidence for the prevention control and treatment of drug-resistant TB. Methods TB case diagnosed in the elderly in Ningbo from 2010 to 2011 were selected as study subjects to conduct drug susceptibility tests of isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin and ethambutol. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the risk factors associated with the drug resistance. Results A total of 381 TB cases in the elderly were enrolled in the study. The overall drug resistant rate was 37.0%(141/381), the multidrug resistant rate was 9.4%(36/381). The drug resistant rate to isoniazid was highest. The related factors of drug resistant TB in the elderly included the history of previous TB treatment, uncompleted treatment and residence status. Conclusion The prevalence of drug resistant TB in the elderly was relatively high in Ningbo, suggesting the necessity to strengthen the TB control program in the elderly.