In conclusion, the risk factors for MDR-TB among patients with pulmonary TB
included 2 episodes of prior pulmonary TB, duration of illness > 60 days, a sputum AFB smear score of 3+, and the presence of cavities or pleural effusion on chest radiographs. These clinical factors and chest radiographic findings associated with MDR-TB should prompt physi-cians to perform DST sooner, and to provide proper management of cases, which may reduce the number of patients with MDR-TB in future.