Prevalence, patterns, and determinants of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: an updated systematic review

Drug resistance (DR) to antituberculosis drugs is a growing global problem that threatens the successful control of tuberculosis (TB) globally and within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In the GCC, TB remains a major public health issue. Understanding the prevalence and patterns of drug resistance to antituberculosis drugs is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Hence, the present systematic review is aimed at assessing the prevalence, pattern, and risk factors of drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) in GCC countries. We conducted this systematic review adhering to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 Statement. Using the relevant keywords in the major databases, we included peer-reviewed articles that were published from 01 January 2014 and onwards in English language journals. The prevalence and patterns of DR-TB levels in different countries were different. Isoniazid monoresistance was the most commonly found type of resistance, with varying degrees of prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Risk factors for DR-TB included diabetes mellitus, past TB treatment, younger age, female gender, and renal failure. There was a positive correlation between expatriate status and DR-TB. Collaborative actions by relevant stakeholders are essential to implement evidence-based interventions that reduce the DR-TB burden and improve overall community health. Ongoing research and surveillance activities are necessary for monitoring patterns, identifying new risk factors, and providing focused interventions to lessen the threat of DR-TB on public health in GCC countries.