Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Rising Among Chinese Youth

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant public health challenge, with an increased prevalence observed among the youth in China. Approximately 20% of new TB cases among adolescents are now reported as multidrug-resistant, highlighting urgent gaps in effective treatment protocols and preventive measures.

Method: This study analyzed data from a nationwide surveillance program involving 1,500 adolescents aged 10-19 diagnosed with TB across multiple provinces in China from 2020 to 2022. The study employed a cross-sectional design, assessing resistance patterns and treatment outcomes through laboratory testing and patient interviews.

Results: Among the adolescents studied, 300 (20%) exhibited drug-resistant strains, with 70% resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin. Treatment success rates were significantly lower in drug-resistant cases (45%) compared to drug-sensitive cases (85%). Adverse events were reported in 25% of drug-resistant cases.

Conclusion: The rising incidence of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Chinese adolescents necessitates the development of novel treatment strategies and enhanced public health initiatives focused on prevention. Limitations of this study include its observational nature and potential sampling biases, indicating a need for further large-scale longitudinal studies.

Original citation address: https://www.besjournal.com/en/article/doi/10.3967/bes2025.159