ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Pyrazinamide[PZA] is an important first anti tuberculosis medication and PZA resistance can be affect the successful tuberculosis [TB] control program. The aim of this study was to determine the PZA resistance among Mycobacterium tuberculosis[MTB] isolated strains
Materials and Methods: These strains were isolated from foreigners and Iranian patients. 100 MTB strains collected at the reserach center for TB and Pulmonary diseases in Tebriz and for detections of PZA 7H10 agar medium by porportion method was used
Results: Out of 100 MTB strains, 60 isolated strains were resistant to at least one of the main drugs [isoniazid, rifampin, streptomycin, ehambuthol] and 40 isolated strains were susceptible to all of these drugs. One strain[2.5%]from 40 susceptible and 22strains [36%] from 60 MTB resistant strains was found to be resistant to PZA. Out of 21 MDR[Multi Drug Resistant] strains, 11 isolates ere resistant to PZA [57%] The most of the PZA resistant strains were isolated from the foreigner patients [72%]
Conclusion: The rate of PZA resistance among East Azerbaijan province patients is low and the sensitivity test of this drug is not necessary as a routine method for MTB susceptible strains.