Detection and factors associated with tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance among presumptive patients at the Thailand-Myanmar border

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major public health problem in Thailand and many countries. Endemic TB and outbreaks of TB drug resistance in the borderlands are particularly important. The Thailand-Myanmar border has extensive cross-border travel that may accelerate TB's spread. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the frequency and factors associated with TB, and rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB) among presumptive tuberculosis patients in Mae Sot Hospital. Sputum was processed by microscopic examination and Xpert MTB/RIF assay. Laboratory results and socio-demographic characteristics were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association of the risk factors with TB and RR-TB. The significant variables at p-values < 0.05 in univariate analysis were selected for multivariate analysis. Of 365 presumptive patients enrolled, 244 (66.85%) were males and 199 (54.52%) were Burmese. Of these, 314 (86.03%) were registered as new cases and 183 (50.14%) worked as laborers. Sputum microscopy was positive in 132 (36.16%) cases. Based on Xpert MTB/RIF, the frequency of TB was 136 (37.26%) and RR-TB was 15 (11.03%). TB was more common in males than females. The majority of the cases belonged to the 26-50-year-old age group and migrant workers. In RR-TB detection, the rpoB mutations covered by probe E were the most frequently observed. Sequencing showed that the most highly mutated codon was codon 531 and Ser531Thr was the most common mutation. For risk factor analysis, working as laborers was significantly (p-value < 0.05) associated with TB (aOR 2.83; 95% CI 1.43-5.63) and previously treated cases were significantly associated with RR-TB (aOR 12.33; 95% CI 2.29-66.49). The high frequency of TB and RR-TB in migrants highlights the problem and factors associated with TB at the border and the need for efforts in TB control programs in this setting.