ALARMING DRUG-RESISTANCE RATES FOR TUBERCULOSIS IN SUREYYAPASA-HOSPITAL, TURKEY

The susceptibility patterns to 'classic' tuberculous pleuritis can ref lect the circulating strains in a society. The records of patients wit h 'classic' tuberculous pleuritis were reviewed retrospectively. Eight y-six patients were selected who were hospitalized between January 199 0 and April 1994. Pleural fluid and tissue samples of patients were cu ltured in Lowenstein-Jensen medium. The isolated strains were subjecte d to drug susceptibility testing based on the absolute concentration m ethod. We obtained 40 positive cultures in 86 patients with 'classic' tuberculous pleuritis. The resistance rate was 75% to one or more drug s, 27.5% to two drugs, 15% to three drugs, and 10% to four drugs. The resistance rates to isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin, and ethambuto l were 32.5, 55, 42.5 and 32.5%, respectively. The resistance to isoni azid + rifampicin was 7.5%. Our findings indicate that the resistance rates for 'classic' tuberculous pleuritis are considerably high, refle cting the currently circulating resistance patterns in our region. The best regimen for new tuberculous cases and the appropriate regimens f or drug-resistant cases should be designed and conducted by a nationwi de institution. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science B.V.