Prevalence and demographic correlates of rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Ibadan, Nigeria: a cross-sectional based study

Inioluwa Hope Jegede; Oluwafunmilayo Abosede Ayodele; Yetunde Adedoyin Amosu; Abosede Abigail Akinloye; Monsurat Oluladun Alimi

doi:10.5455/EJMID.20250627093759

Abstract
Background and Aim: The rise in drug-resistant tuberculosis, particularly multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RR-MTB), presents significant challenges to tuberculosis control efforts as it complicates treatment and increases the risk of mortality. Early detection and appropriate management of RR-MTB are crucial for effective tuberculosis control. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of rifampicin resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RR-MTB) among patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Method: Two hundred and eighty-three sputum samples were collected from patients diagnosed with pulmonary TB from three general hospitals in Oyo State. The sputum samples were analyzed using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay to detect the presence of MTB and resistance to rifampicin. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were also collected and analyzed using the Chi-Square test and ratio analysis, with a significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: The prevalence of MTB among patients varied slightly across the hospitals, with detection rate ranges from 39.7% - 42.5%. Rifampicin resistance was notably low, with rates of 1.3%, 1.7% and 2.3% at the three hospitals. Age was identified as a significant factor associated with rifampicin resistance only at Jericho Government Chest Hospital, particularly among patients aged 66-90 years (p=0.001). Gender and HIV status were not significantly associated with rifampicin resistance across the three hospitals.
Conclusion: The study highlights a significant presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among patients in Ibadan, with relatively low rifampicin resistance rates. These findings underscore the importance of enhanced surveillance and strengthening of TB control measures in order to combat this growing threat.

Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Multidrug-resistant TB, Rifampicin resistance, GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay