Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Rising Among Young People in China

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) poses a significant health challenge, particularly among young populations. In China, a high burden of TB continues to persist, with increasing reports of drug resistance. This study addresses the critical need for updated public health strategies to combat rising rates of DR-TB in youth and informs global treatment protocols.

Method: This study utilized a cross-sectional design involving a sample of 1,500 individuals aged 15 to 24 years from various regions in China. Participants were screened for drug-resistant TB using molecular diagnostic methods. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of DR-TB, with secondary endpoints focused on demographics and treatment outcomes analyzed using logistic regression.

Results: Among the sampled youth, the prevalence of drug-resistant TB was found to be 18%, with a higher incidence rate of 22% in urban areas compared to 14% in rural regions (P < 0.05). Treatment success was achieved in only 60% of those with DR-TB, highlighting a significant gap in effective care.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced public health strategies targeting DR-TB among young people in China, especially in urban settings. The data suggest a potential shift in policy towards integrating personalized treatment protocols. Limitations include the cross-sectional nature of the study, which hampers causal inference, and the need for more comprehensive longitudinal studies to validate these findings.

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