Increase in Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Alberta Among Foreign-born Persons: Implications for Tuberculosis Management

OBJECTIVES:Globally, the prevalence of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance has been increasing. This study sought to identify trends in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among foreign-born persons in Alberta, a major immigrant-receiving province of Canada. METHODS:A retrospective cohort study design was used to investigate the prevalence of MDR-TB in foreign-born culture-positive TB cases between 1982 and 2011. Relevant demographic, clinical and laboratory data were abstracted from the TB Registry, individual medical records and the Provincial Laboratory for Public Health. RESULTS:Of the 2,234 foreign-born culture-positive TB cases in Alberta in 1982–2011, 27 (1.2%) had MDR-TB. Overall, MDR was associated with age