Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Turkmenistan: results of a nationwide survey, 2012 to 2013 (2015)

The first countrywide drug resistance survey in Turkmenistan (August 2012–February 2013) aimed to estimate the burden of acquisition of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the country and explore the risk factors for its transmission and acquisition. It was designed as a cross-sectional study with 100% sampling of all TB diagnostic units. All consecutive eligible patients from all diagnostic centres were enrolled in the study during the intake period. Sputum samples were transported to the national TB reference laboratory for culture and susceptibility testing to first-line TB drugs. MDR-TB was found in 13.9% of new patients and 37.6% of previously treated patients. A history of previous treatment was a risk factor for MDR-TB. Sociobehavioural and demographic factors were not associated with MDR-TB. The survey provides valuable data for planning the programmatic management of MDR-TB in the country.