Patel, Vinod B.Padayatchi, Nesri.Bhigjee, Ahmed Iqbal.Allen, J.Bhagwan, B.Moodley, A. A.Mthiyane, T.2013-04-292013-04-2920032003Patel, V.B., et al. 2004. Multidrug-resistant Tuberculous Meningitis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Clin Infect Dis. 38(6) pp. 851-6.1058-4838http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/381973http://hdl.handle.net/10413/8807Multidrug-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.enMultidrug-resistant tuberculosis--KwaZulu-Natal.Multidrug-resistant tuberculous meningitis.MDR-TBM.Peer reviewed journal article