This study seeks to enhance knowledge of tuberculosis prevalence in the Philippines.
Tuberculosis is the main microbial killer of adults in the world, killing over 2 million people per
year (Frieden) and infecting over one-third of the world's population (WHO). The Philippines
has the 9th highest TB incidence worldwide (WHO) despite having free anti-TB medication
(Philippine Department of Health) and a WHO approved TB infrastructure (WHO). According to
one study, TB causes a loss of 500,000 DALYs in the Philippines every year (Peabody).
This study aims to increase basic knowledge about the incidence of latent drug resistant
tuberculosis and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in the Metro Manila area of the
Philippines. The current testing methods either cannot distinguish between MDR-TB and TB
cases or are resource intensive. This lack of knowledge can lead to mistreatment and
mismanagement of TB cases. A Rapid Molecular Diagnostic test (Genotype MTBDRplus assay)
has been developed, but requires field-testing for WHO approval. In addition to helping prove
the technology, data from these field tests can show the prevalence of MDR-TB and LTBI. This
data is critical to focusing and developing cost-effective treatment programs.