Tropical doctor
-
We determined the primary and secondary resistance of isolates of M. tuberculosis to the standard antituberculous drugs in Karachi (Pakistan). Primary resistance to one or more anti-tuberculous drugs was found in 17% of 123 isolates of M. tuberculosis (obtained from patients with no history of previous treatment for tuberculosis). ⋯ Fifteen per cent of isolates obtained from previously-studied patients showed secondary resistance to rifampicin. We discuss the importance of these findings for tuberculosis treatment and control.