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September 10, 2025Open Access

Molecular Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rifampicin Resistance Isolates in Patients Attending Healthcare Facility in Ogoni, Rivers State, Nigeria

UAUng Sam AnUniversity of Uyo ZBZite BFNUniversity of Uyo EUEtang UEUniversity of Uyo

Key Points

A low prevalence of rifampicin resistance was found at 4.7%, alongside other resistance patterns to anti-TB drugs.
Testing methods revealed 22.7% prevalence using Ziehl Neelsen and 27.3% with GeneXpert, highlighting detection method variability.
The study employed a hospital-based cross-sectional design, utilizing sputum sample analysis and advanced molecular techniques.
Findings emphasize the need for improved anti-tuberculosis strategies to combat the rising trend of multidrug resistance in the region.

Abstract

Introduction: In recent times, the emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) resistance to anti-TB drugs has posed a significant public health challenge for effective global TB control. The already precarious situation has been further worsened by the increasing spread of multidrug-resistant TB. Aim: The aim of this research was to identify drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its associated genes in tuberculosis-positive individuals visiting health facilities in Ogoni, Rivers State, Nigeria. Study Design: The study employed a hospital-based cross-sectional design over the course of 6 months (March 2023 - August 2023). Methodology: A total of 150 sputum samples were collected aseptically from patients presenting clinical symptoms associated with tuberculosis and processed following standard procedures. Phenotypic detection of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and anti-TB drug testing were carried by Ziehl Neelsen and drug susceptibility testing (DST) methods, respectively. GeneXpert assay was used to detect tuberculosis infection and drug resistance simultaneously while molecular detection of resistant genes (katG and gyrA) was carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Result: The study revealed a low prevalence of rifampicin (RIF) resistance TB (4.7%) while drug resistance patterns in this study were monoresistance indicating resistance to ethambutol (EMB) (7.32%), isoniazid (IHN) (4.9%) or RIF (2.4%); polyresistance showing EMB-INH (2.4%) or EMB-RIF (2.4%) resistance patterns and multi-drug resistance indicated by EMB-INH-RIF pattern (2.4%). The results revealed 22.7% and 27.3% prevalence of tuberculosis by Ziehl Neelsen method and GeneXpert assay, respectively and the PCR method detects katG and gyrA genes in all the five (5) multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis isolates screened. Conclusion: The study uncovered a significant prevalence of tuberculosis infection, as well as instances of rifampicin-resistant and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, in Ogoni, Rivers State, with suggestion that the katG and gyrA genes are involved in rifampicin and fluoroquinolone resistance among MTB isolates in the region. There is need for effective anti-tuberculosis drug stewardship to mitigate the spread of multi-drug resistance as well as improve MTB treatment outcomes in Ogoni, Rivers State.

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