Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis outbreak associated with poor treatment adherence and delayed treatment: Arua District, Uganda, 2013–2017

Abstract

The number of cases during January-August in 2017 was significantly higher than during the same months in 2013-2016. Poor adherence to TB drugs and delayed treatment initiation were associated with MDR-TB infection. We recommended strengthening directly-observed treatment strategy, increasing access to treatment services, and increasing the number of beds in the MDR-TB ward at ARRH.