The epidemiological burden and trends of pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance at the Atua Government Hospital, Ghana: a 12-year retrospective analysis

Donkor, Lydia Konadu and Deku, John Gameli and Bedzina, Israel and Ametsimey, Ebenezer and Ablordey, Kenneth and Mathew, Ofoe and Afeke, Innocent and Duedu, Kwabena (2026) The epidemiological burden and trends of pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance at the Atua Government Hospital, Ghana: a 12-year retrospective analysis. Frontiers in Bacteriology, 5. ISSN 2813-6144

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Abstract

Introduction

Tuberculosis, a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosi s is a global public health threat. The problem is compounded by the development of resistance to antimicrobial agents, especially, rifampicin resistance. This 12-year retrospective study was conducted to determine the trends of tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance at Atua Government Hospital in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at Atua Government Hospital in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study population included archived records of suspected patients whose sputum samples were tested between 2013 and 2024 using the Gene Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/Rifampicin (MTB/RIF) version 5.0 assay on the Gene Xpert platform (Cepheid, USA). Data were entered into Microsoft Excel 365, cleaned, and analysed using R version 4.5.0.

Result

The study included 3,976 participants, of which 610 (15.3%) tested positive for tuberculosis. Positivity was highest in the 41–60 years (17.1%). MTB was significantly higher in males (18.6%) compared to females (12.6%) (p<0.001). The highest prevalence of the infection was observed in 2021 (24.4%) and 2024 (21.7%), while the lowest occurred in 2023 (5.3%) (p<0.001). The prevalence of rifampicin resistance was 21.5% (131/610), with higher prevalence in females (26.3%) compared to males (17.6%).

Conclusion

The study reported Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance prevalence of 15.3% and 21.5% respectively. This high prevalence underscores the need for sustained efforts to combat the growing public health concern. There is therefore the need for enhancing surveillance systems and prioritising early detection strategies.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.3389/fbrio.2026.1735351
Dates:	Date Event 16 March 2026 Accepted 15 April 2026 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	antibiotic resistance, Atua Government Hospital, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, rifampicin, tuberculosis
Subjects:	CAH03 - biological and sport sciences > CAH03-01 - biosciences > CAH03-01-01 - biosciences (non-specific)
Divisions:	Life and Health Sciences > Life and Sports Sciences
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	22 Apr 2026 14:19
Last Modified:	22 Apr 2026 14:19
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16991

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