Epidemiology of multidrug-resistant, extensively drug resistant, and totally drug resistant tuberculosis in Middle East countries

Burden and Patterns of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan

Background Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) presents a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing countries. This study focuses on the burden and pattern of pediatric and adolescent MDR-TB in a tertiary care hospital setting. Aims/objectives The main objective is to evaluate MDR-TB's prevalence and resistance patterns among pediatric and adolescent patients, highlighting critical demographic factors and resistance trends. Materials and methods The study utilized a prospective analytical design in two tertiary care facilities, focusing on children aged four months to 18 years diagnosed with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Data on demographic profiles, clinical outcomes, and drug resistance patterns were collected and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Version 27.0, Armonk, NY). Results Out of 99 enrolled participants, 63 (63.64%) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 70.22±48.90 months. A significant proportion, 60 (95.2%) of the cases, originated from Punjab. Notably, 10 (15.9%) of the cultures demonstrated MDR, with specific resistance observed to isoniazid (INH) in 10 (15.9%) cases, rifampicin (RIF) in 11 (17.5%) cases, and pyrazinamide (PZA) in seven (11.1%) cases. The study also recorded a high prevalence of tuberculous meningitis, affecting 52 (82.5%) participants, and malnutrition, affecting 49 (77.8%). Conclusions MDR-TB in 10 (15.9%) of the study children and adolescents presenting in Pakistan's specialized health centres is a notable burden. This points to a need for better diagnostic methods and treatment plans for pediatric patients. Implementing advanced diagnostics and personalized therapies is crucial for managing MDR-TB in susceptible demographics. Our findings emphasize the importance of updating treatment protocols to tackle the impacts of MDR-TB and its evolving resistance.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis epidemiology in Oman: whole-genome sequencing uncovers transmission pathways

Tuberculosis (TB) originating from expatriates that hail from high TB-burden countries is hypothesized to play a role in continued TB transmission in Oman. Here, we used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to assess national TB transmission dynamics. The annual incidence per 100,000 population per year was calculated for nationals and expatriates. A convenience sample of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates from 2018 to 2019 was sequenced and analyzed with publicly available TB sequences from Bangladesh, Tanzania, the Philippines, India, and Pakistan. Relatedness was assessed by generating core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) distances. The incidence of TB was five cases per 100,000 persons in 2018 and seven cases per 100,000 persons in 2020 (R2 = 0.34, P = 0.60). Incidence among nationals was 3.9 per 100,000 persons in 2018 and 3.5 per 100,000 persons in 2020 (R2 = 0.20, P = 0.70), and incidence among expatriates was 7.2 per 100,000 persons in 2018 and 12.7 per 100,000 persons in 2020 (R2 = 0.74, P = 0.34). Sixty-eight local MTB isolates were sequenced and analyzed with 393 global isolates. Isolates belonged to nine distinct spoligotypes. Two isolates, originating from an expatriate and an Omani national, were grouped into a WGS-based cluster (SNP distance < 12), which was corroborated by an epidemiological investigation. Relatedness of local and global isolates (SNP distance < 100) was also seen. The relatedness between MTB strains in Oman and those in expatriate countries of origin can aid inform TB control policy. Our results provide evidence that WGS can complement epidemiological analysis to achieve the End TB strategy goal in Oman. IMPORTANCE Tuberculosis (TB) incidence in Oman remains above national program control targets. TB transmission originating from expatriates from high TB-burden countries has been hypothesized to play a role. We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to assess TB transmission dynamics between expatriates and Omani nationals to inform TB control efforts. Available Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from 2018 to 2019 underwent WGS and analysis with publicly available TB sequences from Bangladesh, the Philippines, India, and Pakistan to assess for genetic relatedness. Our analysis revealed evidence of previously unrecognized transmission between an expatriate and an Omani national, which was corroborated by epidemiological investigation. Analysis of local and global isolates revealed evidence of distant relatedness between local and global isolates. Our results provide evidence that WGS can complement classic public health surveillance to inform targeted interventions to achieve the End TB strategy goal in Oman.

Dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Lineages in Oman, 2009 to 2018

Study aim. Effective Tuberculosis (TB) control measures in Oman have reduced the annual incidence of tuberculosis cases by 92% between 1981 and 2016. However, the current incidence remains above the program control target of <1 TB case per 100,000 population. This has been partly attributed to a high influx of migrants from countries with high TB burdens. The present study aimed to elucidate Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection dynamics among nationals and foreigners over a period of 10 years. Methods. The study examined TB cases reported between 2009 and 2018 and examined the spatial heterogeneity of TB cases and the distribution of M. tuberculosis genotypes defined by spoligotypes and MIRU-VNTR among Omanis and foreigners. Results. A total of 484 spoligoprofiles were detected among the examined isolates (n = 1295). These include 943 (72.8%) clustered and 352 (27.2%) unique isolates. Diverse M. tuberculosis lineages exist in all provinces in Oman, with most lineages shared between Omanis and foreigners. The most frequent spoligotypes were found to belong to EAI (318, 30.9%), CAS (310, 30.1%), T (154, 14.9%), and Beijing (88, 8.5%) lineages. However, the frequencies of these lineages differed between Omanis and foreigners. Of the clustered strains, 192 MTB isolates were further analysed via MIRU-VNTR. Each isolate exhibited a unique MIRU-VNTR profile, indicative of absence of ongoing transmission. Conclusions. TB incidence exhibits spatial heterogeneity across Oman, with high levels of diversity of M. tuberculosis lineages among Omanis and foreigners and sub-lineages shared between the two groups. However, MIRU-VNTR analysis ruled out ongoing transmission.

A Saudi Arabian Public Health Perspective of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a global health challenge due to its spreading potential. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) faces a challenge in the spread of tuberculosis from migrant workers, but the foremost threat is the huge number of pilgrims who travel to visit sacred sites of the Islamic world located in the holy cities of Makkah and Al Madina. Pilgrims visit throughout the year but especially in the months of Ramadan and Zul-Hijah. The rise of resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an established global phenomenon that makes such large congregations likely hotspots in the dissemination and spread of disease at a global level. Although very stringent and effective measures exist, the threat remains due to the ever-changing dynamics of this highly pathogenic disease. This overview primarily highlights the current public health challenges posed by this disease to the Saudi health system, which needs to be highlighted not only to the concerned authorities of KSA, but also to the concerned global quarters since the pilgrims and migrants come from all parts of the world with a majority coming from high tuberculosis-burdened countries.

Prevalence and Determinants of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health issue. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB has further complicated the situation in the form of poor treatment outcomes and costs to individuals and health-care systems. We therefore aimed to measure the prevalence and associated risk factors of MDR TB among TB patients in Makkah city.

Patients and Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, a public-sector hospital in Makkah. We included records of 158 confirmed TB patients from the list of all patients admitted in the hospital from January 2009 to January 2019 by systematic random sampling. Data were collected on socio-demographics, clinical profile and drug resistance patterns. Analysis was done in SPSS version 21.0.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 43.4 ± 18.7 years, and two-thirds (66.5%) were male. About 40% of the patients had chronic disease while lung disease other than TB was present in 5% patients. About 13% of cases were extrapulmonary infections. Prevalence of drug resistance was found to be 17.1% among TB patients. Among the resistant cases, streptomycin (25.9%) and isoniazid (11.1%) were the drugs most commonly affected by resistance. Prevalence of MDR TB was 5% among TB patients. Age, smoking, lung disease and previous TB were significant factors associated with MDR TB.

Conclusion

Prevalence of MDR TB, although comparable to current national estimates, is higher compared to previous reports. There is a need to reduce this burden through strengthening TB control programs to prevent further emergence of a public health threat of MDR TB. History of previous TB was the strongest risk factor in this study. This calls physicians, program managers and policy makers to focus on counselling and support of TB patients for compliance with the regimen to complete treatment without interruption.

Molecular Insights into the Interaction of Ursolic Acid and Cucurbitacin from Colocynth with Therapeutic Targets of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Aims:

Medicinal plants like Citrullus colocynthis are a potential choice to produce helpful novel antimycobacterial drugs. The existence of a range of natural products in the plants, especially Ursolic Acid (UA) and cucurbitacin E 2-0-β-d-glucopyranoside (CEG), with promising antibacterial activity against a variety of bacteria, prompted the need to check its actions against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).

Background:

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), an obligate human pathogen causes tuberculosis and is one of the major causes of death worldwide. A few combinations of drugs are currently accessible for treating TB patients, but these are inadequate to tackle worldwide TB cases.

Objective:

The molecular interactions between ursolic acid and cucurbitacin E with the eight potential Mtb target proteins were investigated with the objective of finding drug-like inhibitors.

Methods:

Avogadro v.1.2.0 and Openbabel v.2.4.1 were used for creating file formats required for docking analysis. Molecular docking was performed with eight different proteins essential for Mtb metabolism and survival. AutoDock v.4.2 and AutoDock vina v.1.1.2 were used for docking and Gromacs 5.1.4 was used for simulation studies.

Results and Discussion:

Among the two ligands used in this research, cucurbitacin E showed a better docking score relative to the drugs presently available for all the target proteins. Rifampicin showed the best binding affinity (among known inhibitors) i.e. -10.8 kcal/mol with C terminal caspase recruitment domain. Moreover, ursolic acid and cucurbitacin E showed uniform binding score (above -7.5 kcal/mol) with all the target proteins, acknowledged its availability as a potential multi-target drug.

Conclusion:

Ursolic acid can be useful in the creation of novel, multi-targeted and effective anti- TB medicines since it showed stable structure with FabH.

A review of medicinal plant of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as source in tuberculosis drug discovery

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that affects one-third of the world's population. Although currently available TB drugs have many side effects, such as nausea, headache and gastrointestinal discomfort, no new anti-TB drugs have been produced in the past 30 years. Therefore, the discovery of a new anti-TB agent with minimal or no side effects is urgently needed. Many previous works have reported the effects of medicinal plants against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). However, none have focused on medicinal plants from the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region. This review highlights the effects of medicinal plants from the MENA region on TB. Medicinal plants from the MENA region have been successfully used as traditional medicine and first aid against TB related problems. A total of 184 plants species representing 73 families were studied. Amongst these species, 93 species contained more active compounds with strong anti-MTB activity (crude extracts and/or bioactive compounds with activities of 0-100 µg/ml). The extract of Inula helenium, Khaya senegalensis, Premna odorata and Rosmarinus officinalis presented the strongest anti-MTB activity. In addition, Boswellia papyrifera (Del) Hochst olibanum, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh leaves (river red gum), Nigella sativa (black cumin) seeds and genus Cymbopogon exhibited anti-TB activity. The most potent bioactive compounds included alantolactone, octyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, thymoquinone, piperitone, α- verbenol, citral b and α-pinene. These compounds affect the permeability of microbial plasma membranes, thus kill the mycobacterium spp. As a conclusion, plant species collected from the MENA region are potential sources of novel drugs against TB.

Molecular identification of mutations conferring resistance to rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide among Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Iran

Here, we aimed to determine the susceptibility of 70 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates obtained from different regions of the country to 8 anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs and possible underlying mechanisms causing resistance to rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide. The susceptibility of 70 isolates of M. tuberculosis to anti-TB drugs was tested using proportion method. Strains showing resistance to the first line anti-TB drugs were subjected to PCR amplification and sequencing of the rpoB, katG, ahpC, pncA genes, inhA promoter and oxyR-ahpC intergenic regions to detect resistance conferring mutations. Overall, 77.1% and 77.1% of isolates were resistant to at least one of the tested first- and second-line drugs, respectively. Within the rpoB gene the highest rate of mutation was found in codons 531(450) (56.3%), and 533(452) (12.5%). Also, codons 315 (42.4%) of katG, positions -48, -72 and -77 of oxyR-ahpC (total= 3, 9.1%) and -15 of inhA promoter region (33.3%) were the most altered positions in isoniazid resistant isolates. Only a single mutation was detected for pncA among resistant isolates. High prevalence of resistance to essential anti-TB drugs among M. tuberculosis strains isolated from retreated tuberculosis cases is alarming issue necessitating immediate action to prevent the spread of drug resistant isolates in the country.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Prevention Practices of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

The aim of this study was to assess community members' knowledge and awareness levels, attitudes, and practices of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis. A quantitative descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The sample size consisted of four hundred (400) respondents aged 18 years and above on their last birthday who were purposively and conveniently selected from Port Elizabeth area in the Nelson Mandela Municipality. Data were collected using close-ended questions, which were administered by the researcher and two research assistants to the selected respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results of this study show poor knowledge and awareness levels, unfavourable attitudes, but good prevention practices of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis among Port Elizabeth community members. This study also found a statistically significant association between knowledge and attitudes (p value = <0.001), and no statistically significant association between knowledge and practices and attitude and practices, respectively (p values = 0.120 and 0.136). The study also revealed low literacy levels, inadequate information, misconceptions and erroneous beliefs about causes, transmission, prevention, treatment, and management of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis among the respondents. This study also highlighted the use and existence of dual healthcare system (traditional spiritual and western).The study found that the main source of Drug Resistant TB information was radio and television among the majority of research respondents. It is recommended that in future health education interventions and awareness campaigns need to be intensified in the area so that misconceptions and erroneous beliefs that exist in society can be addressed. It is also recommended that training programs that are culturally sensitive should be developed and delivered taking into account different languages and literacy levels that exist in society. Such education interventions should be facilitated in collaboration with people living with Drug Resistant Tuberculosis. A multidisciplinary approach should be fostered and collaborations with spiritual healers and various congregational leaders, traditional health practitioners, community leaders, and government leaders in the health sector should be promoted in order to deal with Drug Resistant Tuberculosis. It is also recommended that a similar study be conducted using a qualitative research approach in urban and rural areas of the Eastern Cape. Lastly, assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of spiritual and traditional healers with regard to Drug Resistant Tuberculosis should be conducted as they can influence health-seeking behaviour.

Evaluation of risk factors associated with drug-resistant tuberculosis in Yemen: data from centres with high drug resistance

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that Yemen has a high burden of drug resistance and a worrying shortage of implemented diagnostic methods and drug treatment regimens. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and explored the poor TB management in Yemen.

Methods

Between January 2014 and December 2016, we enrolled 135 patients with MDR-TB from drug resistance programmes at four major TB centres in Yemen for this prospective study. After exclusion of 20 patients, treatment outcomes were reported for 115 patients who attended a series of follow-ups.

Results

A total of 115 patients with MDR-TB were analysed from the four main TB centres in Yemen. Most patients (35.2%) were from the Aden TB centre. A success rate of 77.4% was reported for TB treatment. Of the 115 patients, 69.6% were resistant to two drugs, 18.3% were resistant to three drugs, and 12.2% were resistant to four drugs. During the intensive phase of treatment, 19 patients (16.5%) reported one or more adverse events. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a baseline body weight of ≤40 kg [p = 0.016; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 25.09], comorbidity (p = 0.049; AOR = 4.73), baseline lung cavities (p = 0.004; AOR = 15.32), and positive culture at the end of the intensive phase (p = 0.009; AOR = 8.83) were associated with the unsuccessful treatment outcomes in drug-resistant TB patients.

Conclusions

The success rate achieved after treatment was below the levels established by the WHO End TB Strategy (90%) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (80%). Identification of risk factors associated with MDR-TB in Yemen is essential because it allows health workers to identify high-risk patients, especially in the absence of a second-line treatment or a laboratory diagnostic method. The Yemen National Tuberculosis Control Program should formulate new strategies for early detection of MDR-TB and invest in new programmes for MDR-TB management.

How Long Does Antimycobacterial Antibiotic-loaded Bone Cement Have In Vitro Activity for Musculoskeletal Tuberculosis?

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic-loaded bone cement is accepted as an effective treatment modality for musculoskeletal tuberculosis. However, comparative information regarding combinations and concentrations of second-line antimycobacterial drugs, such as streptomycin and amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, are lacking.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) In antibiotic-loaded cement, is there effective elution of streptomycin and Augmentin^® (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) individually and in combination? (2) What is the antibacterial activity duration for streptomycin- and amoxicillin and clavulanic acid -loaded cement?

METHODS

Six different types of bone cement discs were created by mixing 40 g bone cement with 1 or 2 g streptomycin only, 0.6 g or 1.2 g Augmentin^® (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) only, and a combination of 1 g streptomycin plus 0.6 g amoxicillin and clavulanic acid and 2 g streptomycin plus 1.2 g amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Five bone discs of each type were incubated in phosphate buffered saline for 30 days with renewal of the phosphate buffered saline every day. The quantity of streptomycin and/or amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in eluates were measured by a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system, and the antimycobacterial activity of eluates against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, were calculated by comparing the minimal inhibitory concentration of each eluate with that of tested drugs using broth dilution assay on microplate.

RESULTS

Streptomycin was detected in eluates for 30 days (in 1 g and 2 g discs), whereas 1.2 g amoxicillin and clavulanate eluted until Day 7 and 0.6 g amoxicillin and clavulanate until Day 3. All eluates in streptomycin-containing discs (streptomycin only, and in combination with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) had effective antimycobacterial activity for 30 days, while amoxicillin and clavulanate-only preparations were only active until Day 14. The antimycobacterial activity of eluates of 2 g streptomycin plus 1.2 g amoxicillin and clavulanate were higher than those of discs containing 1 g streptomycin plus 0.6 g amoxicillin and clavulanate until Day 3, without differences (Day 3, 1 g streptomycin plus 0.6 g amoxicillin and clavulanate: 17.5 ± 6.85 ug/mL; 2 g streptomycin plus 1.2 g amoxicillin and clavulanate: 32.5 ± 16.77 ug/mL; p = 0.109). After Day 7, however, values of the two combinations remained no different than that of Day 30 (Day 30, 1 g streptomycin plus 0.6 g amoxicillin and clavulanate: 0.88 ± 0.34 ug/mL; 2 g streptomycin plus 1.2 g amoxicillin and clavulanate: 0.59 ± 0.94 ug/mL; p = 0.107).

CONCLUSIONS

Streptomycin, in the form of antibiotic-loaded bone cement, had effective elution characteristics and antimycobacterial effects during a 30-day period, whereas amoxicillin and clavulanate only had effective elution and antimycobacterial characteristics during the early period of this study. The two drugs did not interfere with each other during the elution test.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This research revealed that combinations of streptomycin and amoxicillin and clavulanate mixed with bone cement are effective for 30 days. Further trials to determine various different combinations of drugs are necessary to improve the effectiveness of treatments for musculoskeletal tuberculosis.

Evaluation of Direct Colorimetric MTT Assay for Rapid Detection of Rifampicin and Isoniazid Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

With the spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) strains there is an increasing need for new accurate and cost-effective methods for a rapid diagnostic and drug susceptibility testing (DST), particularly in low-income countries where tuberculosis is hyperendemic. A colorimetric assay using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) has been suggested as a promising method for DST, especially to rifampicin. In this study, we standardized and evaluated the MTT assay for a rapid direct detection of rifampicin and isoniazid resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains from sputum specimens using Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture medium as a gold standard. The MTT assay sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for rifampicin were 100%, 86%, 100%, 99%, respectively. For isoniazid, the MTT assay had a 100% sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. Interestingly, the MTT assay gave interpretable results within two weeks for 94% of the samples compared to 7–14 weeks for LJ media. Overall, an excellent agreement was observed between MTT assay and LJ proportion method (Kappa, 0.91 for rifampicin and 1.00 for isoniazid). In conclusion, the direct colorimetric MTT assay simultaneously detects susceptible and resistant strains of M. tuberculosis within three weeks. It significantly shortens the time required to obtain a DST result and could be a reliable alternative method for rapid detection of drug-resistant TB strains in high-TB-burden resource-limited settings.