A Comparative Study of Drug Resistance Patterns in Antitubercular Therapy Among Patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Individuals (code: T0002)

Introduction
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major infectious cause of mortality worldwide. The emergence of drug-resistant forms, such as multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB, poses substantial challenges to treatment and control. Alcohol consumption is a recognized risk factor that exacerbates drug resistance by impairing immunity, reducing treatment adherence, and complicating TB management.

Aims and objectives

• To study prevalence of drug resistance Antitubercular therapy in alcoholics and non alcoholics.
• To study pattern of drug resistance of antitubercular therapy in alcoholics and non- alocholics.
• To study the correlation between duration of alcohol intake with drug resistance of ATT
• To study the correlation between severity of alcoholic liver disease with drug registance of ATT.

Methods
A case-control study was conducted on 80 confirmed cases of drug-resistant TB, divided into two groups based on ultrasonographic findings of alcoholic liver disease. Data were collected from patients aged 25–65 years attending the Department of Medicine at J.A. Group of Hospitals. Diagnostic techniques included sputum CBNAAT (Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) and line probe assay (LPA) for drug resistance detection. The severity of alcohol-related liver disease was assessed using serum biomarkers (ALT, AST, GGT) and ultrasonography. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, with significance defined at p < 0.01.

Results
Preliminary results showed a higher prevalence of MDR and XDR TB in alcohol users, with resistance levels positively correlated to alcohol consumption duration (r = 0.72). Patients with severe alcoholic liver disease exhibited more complex resistance patterns and poorer treatment outcomes. Non-alcoholic individuals had significantly lower rates of drug resistance (p < 0.01).

Conclusion
Alcohol use is strongly associated with increased rates of drug-resistant TB and worsens treatment outcomes. Interventions addressing alcohol misuse in TB patients could help reduce resistance rates and improve therapy effectiveness. Further research is essential to design specific strategies to address this dual burden of disease.