Prevalence of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Mainland China: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundThe spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major public health problems in the world. Surveillance of anti-TB drug resistance is important for monitoring TB control strategies. However, the status of drug-resistant TB in China has been reported inconsistently. MethodsWe systematically reviewed published studies on drug-resistant TB in China until March 31, 2011, and quantitatively summarized prevalence and patterns of anti-TB drug resistance among new cases and previously treated cases, respectively. ResultsNinety-five eligible articles, published during 1993–2011, were included in this review. The meta-analyses showed that the prevalence of drug-resistant TB in new cases was 27.9% (95% CI, 25.6%–30.2%) (n/N = 27360/104356) and in previously treated cases was 60.3% (95% CI, 56.2%–64.2%) (n/N = 30350/45858). Furthermore, in these two study populations, the prevalence of multiple drug resistance was found to be 5.3% (95% CI, 4.4%–6.4%) (n/N = 8810/101718) and 27.4% (95% CI, 24.1%–30.9%) (n/N = 10486/44530) respectively. However, the results were found to be frequently heterogeneous (p for Q tests ConclusionsResults of meta-analyses indicated a severe status of drug-resistant TB in China, which attaches an importance to strength TB prevention and control.