Sputum smear and culture conversion in multidrug resistance tuberculosis patients in seven districts of central Gujarat, India: A longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES: To know the sputum smear and culture conversion among multidrug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The longitudinal cohort study was conducted for 142 MDR-TB patients registered in 2010 under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme of Vadodara region. Three follow-ups were taken for sputum and culture examination, at completion of 6, 12, and 24 months of treatment. Individuals were interviewed to know the reasons for missed dose and default. RESULTS: The sputum smear and culture conversion rate was 43.4%, 47.7%, and 57% at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months of follow-up, respectively. Treatment default rate was highest (15.2%) within initial 6 months of therapy. The mean time to sputum smear and culture conversion was 120.27 days and 125.02 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Most of patients who were culture positive at 6 months remained so even after 12 months. There was not much difference in the time taken for culture and sputum conversion.