Implementation of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment in Gabon: lessons learnt from the field

Purpose: Since May 2016, WHO recommended a 9–12 month short-treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment known as the ‘Bangladesh Regimen’. However, limited data exist on the appropriateness thereof, and its implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We report here on the pilot phase of the evaluation of the Bangladesh regimen in Gabon, prior to its endorsement by the WHO. Methods: This ongoing observational study started in September 2015. Intensive training of hospital health workers as well as community information and education were conducted. GeneXpert-confirmed MDR-TB patients received the second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs (4KmMfxPtoHCfzEZ/5MfxCfzEZ). Sputum smears and cultures were done monthly. Adverse events were monitored daily. Results: Eleven patients have been treated for MDR-TB piloting the short regimen. All were HIV-negative and presented in poor health with extensive pulmonary lesions. The overall sputum culture conversion rate was 64% after 4 months of treatment. Three patients developed marked hearing loss; one a transient cutaneous rash. Of 11 patients in our continuous care, 7 (63.6%) significantly improved clinically and bacteriologically. One (9.1%) patient experienced a treatment failure, two (18.2%) died, and one (9.1%) was lost to follow up. Conclusions: Our pioneering data on systematic MDR-TB treatment in Gabon, with currently almost total absence of resistance against the second-line drugs, demonstrate that a 9-month regimen has the capacity to facilitate early culture negativity and sustained clinical improvement. Close adverse events monitoring and continuous care are vital to success.