TITLE:
Detection of Mutations in Genes Associated with Multidrug Resistance in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex among HIV/Tuberculosis Co-Infected Patients in N’Djamena, Chad
AUTHORS:
Abakar Oumar Mahamat, Abderrazzack Adoum Fouda, Richard Bongo Naré Ngandolo, Hidir Tidjani Abakar, Ahmadou Oumarou, Djasra Frederic, Lamireou Didi, Oumalkher Youssouf Adam, Ahmat Mahamat Ahmat, Djamalladine Mahamat Doungous, Hassoumi Manah, Abdoullahi Hissein Ousman, Mahamat Nour Aguid, Oumar Abdelhadi
KEYWORDS:
HIV/TB Co-Infection, Multidrug Resistance, Rifampicin, Isoniazid, N’Djamena-Chad
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.6,
June
18,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: HIV/tuberculosis (HIV/TB) co-infection remains a major public health issue in countries with a high tuberculosis burden. The emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to anti-tuberculosis drugs further complicates the management of co-infected patients, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. This study aimed to detect the mutations in gene associated with multidrug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis among HIV/TB co-infected patients in N’Djamena. Methodology: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV/TB co-infected patients followed in treatment centers (APMS and CHU-ATC) in N’Djamena. Sputum samples were analyzed at the IRED and National Reference Laboratory/PNT using molecular techniques: Xpert MTB/RIF for the detection of mutations associated with rifampicin resistance and Xpert MTB/ XDR for the detection of mutations associated with multidrug resistance (isoniazid, fluoroquinolones, etc.). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 97 HIV/TB co-infected patients were included in the study. The majority of patients were male, with a predominance of the 25 - 35 years age group. Rifampicin resistance was observed in 4.12% of patients, while resistance to isoniazid and fluoroquinolones was 9.27% and 2.06%, respectively. Regarding resistance profiles, rifampicin monoresistance accounted for 1.03%, isoniazid monoresistance for 6.18%, and fluoroquinolone monoresistance for 1.03%. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, defined as simultaneous resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid, was found in 3.09% of HIV/TB co-infected patients. Among these, one sample showed additional fluoroquinolone resistance mutations (gyrA and gyrB), corresponding to pre-XDR TB (1.03%). Conclusion: This study highlights a non-negligible frequency of multidrug resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs among HIV/TB co-infected patients in N’Djamena. These findings emphasize the importance of rapid molecular diagnosis to improve therapeutic management and limit the spread of resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Chad.