International Spread of MDR TB from Tugela Ferry, South Africa

Abstract

We describe a death associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and HIV infection outside Africa that can be linked to Tugela Ferry (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa), the town most closely associated with the regional epidemic of drug-resistant tuberculosis. This case underscores the international relevance of this regional epidemic, particularly among health care workers.

Keywords

• MDR TB
• HIV
• health care workers
• rpoB
• antimicrobial resistance
• South Africa