Abstract
Introduction
Pyrazinamide is very important in the treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB). Unfortunately, studies on the prevalence of pyrazinamide resistance in MDR TB cases are scarce and mainly come from non-European countries.
Aims and Objectives
Our aim was to determine the prevalence of pyrazinamide resistance in MDR TB cases from the Netherlands.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed pyrazinamide resistance in all MDR TB cases from the Netherlands found in 2007-2011. Drug susceptibility testing was performed using the Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) method. Also, in every resistant isolate the pncA gene was sequenced. Resistance was determind using a diagnostic algorithm described recently by our group incorporating both methods (Simons, S.O., et al. JCM 2012; 50:428-34).
Results
61 cases of multidrug resistant tuberculosis were seen in the Netherlands from 2007-2011. Pyrazinamide resistance testing was possible in 59 cases. In 17 MDR TB cases pyrazinamide resistance was observed (29%). 16 out of these 17 cases carried a nonsynonymous mutation in the pncA gene.
Conclusions
Our data suggest that among MDR TB cases in the Netherlands pyrazinamide resistance is around 29%. Strategies are required to determine the optimal diagnostic algorithm in this population.
- © 2012 ERS
