However, the pattern of drug
resistanceinnewpatientsindicatesthelevelsofresistance
when they were infected, which may have been several
years previously. Rifampicin resistance is low at 2.9%
whilehigherprimaryresistanceistoisoniazid(8.4%) and
streptomycin (10.7%).2 Many risk factors of MDR TB
have been identified in recent publications: previous TB
treatment; irregular treatment; gender ; non-permanent
residents; urban migration; urban residences; frequent
travel; age; hygiene and sanitation; alcoholism; and
smoking.3 Despite allthese risk factors, few orinadequate
studies have been conducted on the occurrence of MDR
TB, particularly in Nepal. The purpose of this study is
therefore, focusedsolelyonindentifyingtheriskfactors of
MDR TB in central Nepal.