Prevalence of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) in individuals living in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Methods We searched the MEDLINE, Embase and Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) databases until 08 August 2019 for all studies on the subject, without time or language restrictions. Original studies reporting the prevalence of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin simultaneously (MDR) in LAC, the prevalence of resistance in cases with no previous treatment (new cases) and the prevalence of resistance in previously treated cases were selected. Considering the expected heterogeneity between studies, all analyses were performed using the random effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Results We included 91 studies from 16 countries. The estimated overall prevalence was 13.0% (95% CI 12.0–14.0%), and the heterogeneity between studies was substantial (I2 = 96.1%). In the subgroup analyses, it was observed that the prevalence of MDR‐TB among new cases was 7.0% (95% CI 6.0–7.0%) and in previously treated cases was 26.0% (95% CI 24.0–28.0%). Conclusions This review highlights multidrug resistance to antituberculosis drugs in LAC, indicating that prevention strategies have not been effective. Government institutions should invest heavily in strategies for early diagnosis and the rapid availability of effective treatments and prioritise adequate protection for health professionals. In addition, screening programmes should be adopted to prevent secondary cases. Objectifs Evaluer la prévalence de la tuberculose multirésistante (TB‐MDR) chez les personnes vivant en Amérique latine et dans les Caraïbes (ALC). Méthodes Nous avons effectué des recherches dans les bases de données Medline, EMBASE et Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilas) jusqu'au 08 août 2019 pour toutes les études sur le sujet, sans restriction de temps ou de langue. Des études originales faisant état de la prévalence de l'infection à Mycobacterium tuberculosis résistante à l'isoniazide et à la rifampicine simultanément (MDR) dans la région ALC, de la prévalence de la résistance dans les cas sans traitement antérieur (nouveaux cas) et de la prévalence de la résistance dans les cas précédemment traités ont été sélectionnées. Compte tenu de l'hétérogénéité attendue entre les études, toutes les analyses ont été effectuées à l' aid