Bacterial resistance to streptomycin, PAS and isoniazid in untreated patients with symptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis in Ashanti

An investigation has been undertaken to determine the level of bacterial resistance to streptomycin, PAS and isoniazid in cases of previously untreated pulmonary tuberculosis in Ashanti. Of 343 positive cultures tested, 53 (15.4 per cent) showed some degree of resistance to either streptomycin, PAS or isoniazid. Resistance to a single drug was most common; resistance to two or three drugs was found in 32 per cent of all resistant cultures. Isoniazid resistance was most common, but was almost equalled by streptomycin resistance. A rise of 10 per cent was demonstrated in under one year. A comparison is made between the resistance figures in Ashanti and those published for the United Kingdom, Madras and East Africa. Reasons for the differences are postulated. Suggestions are given on how current practice in West Africa might be modified to alleviate the problem. © 1960, Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.