Setting: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB, defined
as resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin) is poorly
detected in Nepal; one reason may be poor functioning
of culture and drug susceptibility testing (CDST) services
for retreatment tuberculosis (TB) patients.
Objectives: To determine, among retreatment TB patients
in mid-west Nepal, 1) the number of patients registered
for treatment between July 2011 and July 2012; 2)
the number submitting sputum specimens for CDST to
the Central Reference Laboratory (CRL), Kathmandu,
along with the results; and 3) the length of time for submission
and receipt of specimens.
Design: Retrospective cohort study involving the review
of treatment and laboratory registers from the Nepalgunj
TB Referral Centre and the CRL.