A systematic review and meta-analysis looked at multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It combined data from 25 studies across six countries to estimate how common this serious form of TB is. The goal was to provide a clearer picture for health planning.
The main finding was that the reported rates of MDR-TB varied widely, from 0% to 17.1% in different studies. When all the data was pooled, the overall prevalence was about 3.5%. This means that for every 100 people with TB in the region, about 3 or 4 have strains that resist standard first-line drugs.
The analysis also found very high differences between the studies, which means the results are not uniform across the MENA region. Factors like previous TB treatment, HIV infection, smoking, and other illnesses were linked to a higher chance of MDR-TB, but the study does not prove these causes it.
Because of the high variation between studies, the exact prevalence might differ by country or area. The review did not look at the safety or effectiveness of specific treatments, as it focused on how common the problem is.
The authors suggest that strong, multi-sectoral programs are needed. These should include better prevention, standard treatment plans, and efforts to help patients finish their medication. This approach could help reduce the spread of drug-resistant TB in the region.