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Multidrug-resistant Tuberculous Meningitis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

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Date

2003

Journal Title

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Volume Title

Publisher

The Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is well described in the literature. Reports of MDR TB meningitis (MDR-TBM), however, are limited to case reports and a single case series. During the period of 1999-2002, 350 patients with TBM were identified by cerebrospinal fluid culture for TB. Thirty patients (8.6%) had TB that was resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin. All 30 patients were included in this study. We reviewed hospital charts of the patients with MDR-TBM and describe our experience. Seventeen patients with MDR-TBM died, and, of those who were known to be alive, many experienced significant morbidity. Eighteen patients were HIV positive. Twenty-two patients had been treated for TB in the past, 3 patients had received no previous treatment for TB, and the history of TB treatment was unknown for 5 patients. The study highlights the prevalence of MDR-TBM and identifies new challenges in the management of affected patients.

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Keywords

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis--KwaZulu-Natal.

Citation

Patel, V.B., et al. 2004. Multidrug-resistant Tuberculous Meningitis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Clin Infect Dis. 38(6) pp. 851-6.

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