Chest X-ray findings in drug-sensitive and drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Uganda

Abstract

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Radiology has an important role in the diagnosis of both drug-sensitive (DS) and rifampicin-resistant (RR) pulmonary TB (PTB). This study aimed to compare the chest x-ray (CXR) patterns of microbiologically confirmed DS and RR PTB cases stratified by HIV serostatus in Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a hospital-based retrospective study at the Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) TB wards. All participants had a microbiologically confirmed diagnosis of PTB. CXR findings extracted included infiltrates, consolidation, cavity, fibrosis, bronchiectasis, atelectasis, and other non-lung parenchymal findings. All films were examined by two independent radiologists blinded to the clinical diagnosis.

Results

We analyzed CXR findings of 165 participants: 139 DS- and 26 RR-TB cases. The majority (n = 118, 71.7%) of the participants were seronegative for HIV. Overall, 5/165 (3%) participants had normal CXR. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of participants with consolidations (74.8% versus 88.5%; p = 0.203), bronchopneumonic opacities (56.1% versus 42.3%, p = 0.207) and cavities (38.1% versus 46.2%, p = 0.514), across drug susceptibility status (DS versus RR TB). Among HIV-infected participants, consolidations were predominantly in the middle lung zone in the DS TB group and in the lower lung zone in the RR TB group (42.5% versus 12.8%, p = 0.66). HIV-infected participants with RR TB had statistically significantly larger cavity sizes compared to their HIV uninfected counterparts with RR TB (7.7 ± 6.8 cm versus 4.2 ± 1.3 cm, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

We observed that a vast majority of participants had similar CXR changes, irrespective of drug susceptibility status. However, HIV-infected RR PTB had larger cavities.

The diagnostic utility of cavity sizes for the differentiation of HIV-infected and non-infected RR TB could be investigated further.

1. Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of mortality globally [1]. In 2019, an estimated 10 million people were diagnosed with TB globally [1]. In its 2020 Global TB report, WHO reported 1,408,000 deaths and 467,000 rifampicin-resistant (RR) TB [2].

Chest X-ray (CXR) is the primary radiologic evaluation of suspected or proven pulmonary TB (PTB) [3]. When combined with clinical symptoms and signs, CXR has a high sensitivity in the diagnosis of PTB [4]. However, several factors have been shown to affect CXR findings in patients with PTB; namely, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the degree of immunosuppression, previous treatment for PTB, and microbiological profile, that is drug-sensitive (DS) or RR-TB [5]. Though some studies suggest that DS and RR-TB present differently on the CXR in terms of morphology, size, and location of the lesions, a detailed description of the difference in CXR findings between DS- and RR-TB is not widely published [5], [6].

Among immunocompetent patients in Indonesia, patients with RR TB had CXR features predominantly of consolidations, infiltrates, cavities, fibrosis, bronchiectasis, calcifications, nodes, with accompanying extrapulmonary lesions such as effusions and empyema [5]. The lesions were larger in size usually more than one. On the other hand, DS-TB patients presented with majorly infiltrates and lesions which were generally smaller in size [5].

Among HIV-infected multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB patients in South Africa, CXR features of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, consolidations, volume loss, bronchiectasis, and pleural effusions were the commonest findings in decreasing frequency [7].

Even though CXR are widely available and do play a central role in the screening, triaging, and diagnosis of PTB [8], [9], in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of DS and RR TB, as well as HIV, is disproportionately high, literature is scarce on similarities and differences in radiological features of DS and RR TB patients. Despite wide availability of the GeneXpert machine in Uganda for the detection of rifampicin resistance, currently, culture-based drug susceptibility testing for full profiling of susceptibility pattern to anti-tuberculous agents is not readily available to all patients in our setting and for those who get the opportunity, it takes 2 to 8 weeks to get the results. In this study, therefore, we sought to address this critical knowledge gap by describing CXR findings of DS TB and RR TB patients and stratified findings by HIV status.

2. Methods

2.1. Study design and setting

This was a hospital-based retrospective comparative study conducted at the TB ward of Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH), Kampala, Ugandan, between 1st January 2018 and 31st December 2018. Mulago National Referral Hospital is in Mulago hill road 2 km from Kampala city center. The TB ward in the hospital runs both inpatient and outpatient clinics for patients being managed for TB. It is the largest RR TB referral and treatment center serving about 10 districts in central Uganda and is considered a center of excellence. In 2018, 137 and 713 patients were diagnosed with RR-TB and DS-TB respectively which was 1:5.

2.2. Study population

Records of all patients aged 15 years and above that had been diagnosed with PTB by GeneXpert, also who had baseline frontal chest radiograph and were managed from TB ward were retrieved. Patients with poor quality radiographs and additional recorded respiratory co-morbidities such as chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, pulmonary cancer, interstitial lung disease, heart failure and sarcoidosis were excluded. Patients younger than 15 years of age were also excluded since bedaquiline, which is used in the management of MDR TB in Uganda is contraindicated in these patients. Moreover, patients below the age of < 15 are considered as pediatric age group in Uganda (MNRH).

2.3. Sample size

Sample size formula by Kelsey et al., 1996 [10].

${\mathbf{N}}_1=\frac{\overline{\mathit{p}}\overline{\mathit{q}}\left(\mathit{r}+1\right){\left({\mathit{z}}_{1-\mathit{\alpha }/2}+{\mathit{z}}_{1-\mathit{\beta }}\right)}^2}{\mathit{r}{\left({\mathit{p}}_1-{\mathit{p}}_2\right)}^2}$

And

N₂ = rN₁

where

N₁ = Number of patients with RR-TB.

N₂ = Number of patients with DS-TB.

${\mathit{z}}_{1-\mathit{\alpha }/2}$ = Standard normal deviate for two-tailed test based on alpha level of 5% (95% Confidence interval) = 1.96.

${\mathit{z}}_{1-\mathit{\beta }}$ = Standard normal deviate for one-tailed test based on beta level of 20% (80% power) = 0.84.

r = ratio of N₂ to N₁ = 5.

2.4. Size of lesion

p₁ = Proportion of patients with RR-TB who have large lesions = 96% [5].

p₂ = Proportion of patients with DS-TB who have large lesions = 27% [5].

$\overline{p}$ = $\frac{p_1+r{p}_2}{r+1}$ and $\overline{q}$ = 1 -.$\overline{p}$

N₁ = 5, N₂ = 5x5 Therefore final sample size for lesions = 5 + 25 = 30.

2.5. Morphology and location

p₁ = Proportion of patients with RR-TB who have upper right lung infiltrate = 36.6%.

p₂ = Proportion of patients with DS-TB who have upper right lung infiltrate = 66.7%.

N₁ = 25, N₂ = 5x25 Therefore final sample size = 25 + 125 = 150.

The larger of the two sample sizes (n = 150) will be the sample size of the study.

Assuming a non-response rate of 10%, Final sample size = 150/0.9 = 167 participants.

During the calendar year 2018, 137 patients were diagnosed as having RR-TB and 713 with DS-TB. The ratio is 1:5, which was used to select a final sample of participants with the same ratio. Using the above sample size formula, we arrived at a final sample of 28 RR-TB and 139 DS-TB cases.

2.6. Study procedure

The first RR-TB and DS-TB files to be enrolled in the study were selected randomly from the first five RR-TB and five DS-TB records using ballot papers. After enrolling the first patient file for each group, every other 5th DS-TB and RR-TB file was recruited into their respective groups. Records that were excluded were replaced by the next consecutive eligible record. Using a structured data collection tool bio-demographic and relevant history were obtained (Appendix 1).

The baseline CXR were then read independently in a systematic manner by the principal investigator and two senior radiologists and findings were recorded. An Ewen-Janus viewing box Model D94405 Landau was used. The readers of the chest radiographs were blinded to the clinical information including the drug sensitivity, as such only study numbers were used to identify images. The principal investigator read all the CXR. One of the senior radiologists was consulted in the presence of any lack of clarity. Then the second senior radiologist was used as a tie-breaker, if there was any disagreement between the principal investigator and the former senior radiologist. The CXR were reviewed for the presence of the following pathologies using a structured data collecting tool (Appendix 2), hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy, bronchopneumonic opacification, segmental/lobar consolidation, cavities, miliary opacification, pleural effusion, bronchiectasis, atelectasis, fibrotic bands, and pneumothorax. A chest radiograph lacking all the above features was normal. The location of the lesion was described by side and zone. The zones were; upper (between 1st and 2nd anterior ribs), middle (between 2nd and 4th anterior ribs) and lower (between the 4th and last anterior rib). The widest dimension of a lesion was taken as its size. Measurement was done using a HACO ruler that is factory calibrated.

2.7. Statistical analysis

Data was entered into EPIDATA version 4.4.2 and thereafter exported to SPPSS version 26 for analysis. Patient characteristics were summarized using mean and standard deviation for normally distributed continuous variables or median and range for skewed continuous variables. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and proportions. Normality was tested using the Shapiro wilk test and normal distribution probability plots. The outcome of the study was CXR findings. The primary independent variable was drug sensitivity. The potential confounders in this study were age, sex, immunological status, and history of PTB treatment. To describe CXR findings of pulmonary DS-TB and RR-TB among patients in Mulago Hospital, we used frequencies and proportion. The CXR findings were grouped into three categories namely Morphology, size, number of zones affected and location: each with several indicator variables. To compare the proportions of CXR findings in patients with RR-TB and DS-TB we used Chi square test for cell counts above 5 or Fischer exact test for cells counts less than 5. Continuous variables such as age were categorized as per existing literature to increase clinical significance. Mean for independent data were compared using the independent t-test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

2.8. Radiological diagnostic definitions

Baseline CXR was a CXR obtained at the time of diagnosis of PTB. Hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy was described as nodular masses in the hilum or mediastinum. Bronchopneumonic opacification was described as multiple, ill-defined, confluent, nodular opacities in the lung fields. Segmental/lobar consolidation was described as a homogeneous increase in pulmonary parenchymal attenuation that obscures the margins of vessels and airway walls. Cavities were described as gas-filled spaces, seen as a lucency or low-attenuation area within pulmonary consolidation. Miliary opacification was described as profuse, tiny, discrete, rounded pulmonary opacities (≤3 mm in diameter) that are generally uniform in size and diffusely distributed throughout the lungs. Pleural effusion was described as pleural opacification with a meniscus sign. Bronchiectasis was described as thickened and dilated peripheral bronchioles. Atelectasis was described as signs suggestive of lobar or segmental collapse. Fibrotic bands were described as thick linear bands more than 3 mm. Pneumothorax was described as an area devoid of air bronchograms in the apical areas of an erect CXR.

3. Results

3.1. Characteristics of the study participants

A total of 165 participants, 139 DS and 26 RR-TB of which 106 (63.9%) males were recruited in the study. Two participants were excluded, one due to missing essential information and another due inadequate CXR. Overall, 118 (71.7%) participants were HIV uninfected. Of the 118, 103 (87.3%) had DS and 15 (12.7%) RR TB. Overall, 37 (22.4%) participants had a history of previous TB treatment with 9 defaulting and 3 failing on treatment. The proportion of participants with previous history of PTB was higher among RR TB compared to DS TB group (46.2% versus 18%, p = 0.04). Table 1 summarizes the baseline characteristics of the study participants.

Table 1.

Baseline demographic Characteristics of 165 participants.

Baseline characteristics	All	Drug sensitivity		P-value
DS TB(n=139), %	DR TB (n=26), %
Gender
Female	59 (36.1)	49 (35.3)	10 (38.5)	0.8
Male	106 (63.9)	90 (64.7)	16 (61.5)
Age , median (range), years	30 (15-65)	30 (15-65)	33 (20-65)	0.103
HIV serostatus
Negative	118 (71.7)	103 (74.1)	15 (57.7)	0.099
Positive	47 (28.3)	36 (25.8)	11 (42.3)
CD4 counts, median (range)	218 (2 – 896)	208.5 (2-896)	218.0 (61 -783)	0.268
HIV positive
History of smoking
Yes	36 (21.7)	31 (22.3)	5 (19.2)	1
No	129 (78.3)	108 (77.6)	21 (80.8)
History of PTB
Yes	37 (22.3)	25 (18.0)	12 (46.2)	0.04
No	128 (77.7)	114 (82.0)	14 (53.8)
Treatment outcomes (n=37)
Failure	3 (8.1)	0 (0.0)	3 (25.0)	0.037
Completed	7 (18.9)	4 (16.0)	3 (25.0)
Defaulted	9 (24.3)	7 (28.0)	2 (16.7)
Cure	18 (48.8)	14 (56.0)	4 (33.3)
Extrapulmonary TB
Yes	14 (8.4)	14 (10.1)	0 (0.0)	0.13
No	151 (91.6)	125 (90.0)	26 (100.0)
Current or previous alcohol use
Yes	91 (54.8)	71 (51.1)	20 (76.9)	0.018
No	74 (45.2)	68 (49.0)	6 (23.1)

3.2. Chest X-ray findings

Five (3%) participants, 3 DS and 2 RR TB, had normal CXR. All the five participants were symptomatic and the two showed resistance to rifampicin (RIF) in Xpert MTB/RIF assay. The most dominant feature of active PTB was consolidations (77%, n = 127). There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of consolidation among RR compared to DS TB participants (88.5% versus 74.8%, p = 0.2). The participants with miliary pattern opacities on CXR were 3 (1.8%) and all of them were from DS-TB group (Table 2).

Table 2.

Chest X-ray Findings of 165 participants.

Radiological findings (N = 165)	Totaln (%)	Drug sensitivity		P-value
		DS-TB (%)	DR-TB (%)
Normal	5 (3.0)	3 (2.2)	2 (7.7)	0.177
Bronchopneumonic process	89 (53.3)	78 (56.1)	11 (42.3)	0.207
Consolidation	127 (77.0)	104 (74.8)	23 (88.5)	0.203
Cavities	65 (39.4)	53 (38.1)	12 (46.2)	0.514
Miliary	3 (1.8)	3 (2.2)	0 (0.0)	>0.999
Bronchiectasis	50 (30.3)	44 (31.7)	6 (23.1)	0.488
Atelectasis	17 (10.3)	13 (9.4)	4 (15.4)	0.314
Fibrotic bands	50 (30.3)	43 (30.9)	7 (26.9)	0.818

Participants with DS TB had consolidation as the commonest (104, 74.8%) CXR finding of active PTB followed by bronchopneumonic opacities (78, 56.1%) and cavities (53, 38.1%). A similar proportion of HIV uninfected compared to HIV infected had cavities (41.7 versus 27.8%, p = 0.165) (Table 3).

Table 3.

Chest X-ray Findings in DS TB stratified by HIV status.

Radiological findings (N = 139)	Totaln (%)	HIV status		P-value
		Negative	Positive
Bronchopneumonic process	78 (56.1)	55 (53.4)	23 (63.9)	0.331
Consolidation	104 (74.8)	77 (74.8)	27 (75.0)	>0.999
Cavities	53 (38.1)	43 (41.7))	10 (27.8)	0.165
Bronchiectasis	44 (31.7)	29 (28.2)	15 (41.7)	0.149
Atelectasis	13 (9.4)	11 (10.7)	2 (5.6)	0.514
Fibrotic bands	43 (30.9)	32 (31.1)	11 (30.6)	>0.999

Of the 26 participants with RR TB, 23 (88.5%) had consolidations followed by cavities and bronchopneumonic opacities respectively. Stratified by HIV status, there was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of participants with cavities (53.3% for HIV negative versus 36.4% for HIV positive, p = 0.45) (Table 4).

Table 4.

Chest X-ray Finding in DR TB stratified by HIV status.

Radiological findings (N = 26)	Total n (%)	HIV status		P-value
		Negative	Positive
Bronchopneumonic process	11 (42.3)	7 (46.7)	4 (36.4)	0.701
Consolidation	23 (88.5)	14 (93.3)	9 (81.8)	0.556
Cavities	12 (46.2)	8 (53.3)	4 (36.4)	0.453
Bronchiectasis	6 (23.1)	5 (33.3)	1 (9.1)	0.197
Atelectasis	4 (15.4)	1 (6.7)	3 (27.3)	0.279
Fibrotic bands	7 (26.9)	6 (40.0)	1 (9.1)	0.178

3.3. Location and number of lesions

Among HIV uninfected participants, consolidations were predominantly in the upper lung zones (47.1% in DS versus 9.2% in RR TB, p = 0.38) and middle lung zones (48.7% in DS Vs 7.6% in RR TB, p = 0.27). The bronchopneumonic opacifications were predominantly in the middle lung zones (37% in DS versus 5.9% in RR p = 0.59).

Of the HIV infected participants, the consolidations were predominantly in the middle lung zone (42.5%) in the DS TB group and in the lower lung zone (12.8%) in the RR TB group (p = 0.48). Bronchopneumonic opacities were mostly seen in the middle and lower lung zones (34% versus 32%, p = 0.46) in the DS TB group and in the three lung zones unilaterally in RR TB group.

The average number of zones affected by signs of active disease was comparable between the DS TB and RR TB groups (2.7 versus 3, p = 0,46).

Among the HIV infected participants, cavity sizes were statistically significantly large in those with RR TB compared to HIV uninfected participants with RR TB (7.7 ± 6.8 cm versus 4.2 ± 1.3 cm, p = 0.004). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean consolidation sizes (p = 0.8) and the mean number of cavities (p = 0.4) among HIV uninfected participants with RR TB compared to HIV infected participants with RR TB. The commonest extrapulmonary findings were pleural effusion followed by fibrosis and lymphadenopathy with no statistically significant difference between the DS and RR TB groups (Table 5).

Table 5.

Extrapulmonary findings.

	HIV negative n=118			HIV positive n=47
X-ray features	DS TB n(%)	DR TB n(%)	p-value	DS TB n(%)	DR TB n(%)	p-value
Lymphadenopathy	3 (2.5)	1 (0.8)	0.52	1 (2.1)	4 (8.5)	0.43
Unilateral	2 (1.7)	1 (0.8)		1 (2.1)	1 (2.1)
Bilateral	1 (0.8)	0 (0)		0 (0)	3 (6.4)
Pleural effusion	21 (17.6)	3 (2.5)	0.86	4 (8.5)	5 (10.6)	0.22
Unilateral	19 (16.0)	3 (2.5)		3 (6.4)	3 (6.4)
Bilateral	2 (1.7)	0 (0)		1 (2.1)	2 (4.3)
Fibrosis	6 (5.0)	2 (1.7)	0.4	0 (0)	4 (8.5)	0.33
Unilateral	5 (4.2)	2 (1.7)		0 (0)	4 (8.5)
Bilateral	1 (0.8)	0 (0)		0 (0)	0 (0)

CXR of HIV uninfected and HIV infected participants are demonstrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 respectively.

Fig. 1.

Frontal chest radiograph of HIV seronegative participants A) Of a 38 year old male patient with DS TB showing a consolidation involving the right upper and middle lung zones. B) Of a 26-year-old patient with DS TB showing consolidation in the right lower lung zone. C) Of a 26-year-old patient with a consolidation involving the left middle and lower lung zones. D) Of a 34 year old with DS TB showing multiple left upper lobe cavities, bronchopneumonic opacities in the whole left lung and right upper and middle lung zones. There are also bilateral areas of bronchiectasis.

Fig. 2.

Frontal chest radiograph of HIV seropositive participants A) Of a 39-year-old patient with DS TB showing multiple cavities in the left upper and middle lung zones and bronchopneumonic opacities involving the whole left lung field. B) Of a 42 year old patient with DS TB with bilateral upper lung zone cavities, bilateral upper and middle lung zone bronchiectasis and bilateral upper and middle lung zone bronchopneumonic opacities.

4. Discussion

In this retrospective study aimed at comparing the CXR patterns of DS and RR TB participants, we found no difference in radiological presentation. The commonest CXR findings in DS TB was consolidation. The distribution of consolidative lesions in both HIV negative and HIV positive participants was more in the upper and middle zone compared to the lower zones. Mean consolidation size was higher among HIV-positive participants when compared to HIV seronegative participants but was not statistically significant. The lack of difference in the radiological presentation was in keeping with a study that was done in Indonesia and another study from India among MDR TB patients [5], [11]. The commonest CXR features among the RR TB group were consolidations in the upper lung zones.

Due to acquired mutations of mycobacterium during treatment [12], previous history of treatment was significantly higher among participants diagnosed with RR TB 12(46.2%) compared to 25(18%) among DS TB. A meta-analysis done in Ethiopia showed similar results [12].

Few studies have been done that compares CXR finding of DS TB and RR TB, with particular focus to the findings in RR TB [5], [13]. Moreover, less has been done comparing finding among adults with HIV coinfection [14].

4.1. DS TB

Bronchopneumonic opacities were the second commonest CXR finding with predominantly middle and lower lung zones distribution in both HIV seronegative and HIV seropositive participants. Bronchopneumonic opacities followed by consolidation and cavities were the commonest findings among HIV seronegative participants in Indonesia [5]. Similar findings were found in an HIV seropositive group in South Africa [5], [15]. However, in the south African study cavities were more dominant than infiltrates among the HIV-negative patients [15].

Among the HIV-negative group, the majority had upper zone consolidations followed by middle zone and lower zone. Moreover, consolidations followed by cavities and bronchopneumonic opacities were the commonest finding among both HIV positive and HIV seronegative groups. This was in keeping with a study done among HIV seropositive participants where the commonest CXR findings were bronchopneumonic infiltrates and consolidations [5], [16]. In HIV seropositive participants the majority of the lesions were in the lower lung zone. The mean consolidation size was bigger in HIV seronegative participants than in the HIV seropositive participants. The lower lung zone distribution among HIV seropositive participants was also seen in a study done by similar to a study done by Padyana et al. [16].

Cavities were the least common feature of active disease occurring most in the middle lung zones in both the HIV seronegative and HIV seropositive participants with RR TB. In a metanalysis done by Xiáng J and colleagues, the prevalence of cavities among HIV positive patients was as low as 9% which is similar to low prevalence in this study [13]. However, among immunocompetent patient cavitary disease was the commonest finding in most studies [5], [13]. In the pathophysiology of PTB consolidations and bronchopneumonic opacities precede cavities [17]. Therefore, the participants could have presented early before formation of cavities.

4.2. RR TB

The cavity sizes were also larger among HIV-seropositive patients than among HIV-seronegative in the RR TB group. The difference in cavities sizes between the groups is unusual since cavities are not common in immunosuppressed individuals. And different studies demonstrated the opposite of what we found in this study [18], [19], [20], [21].

The average number of zones with active disease in RR TB group was 3. Chuchottaworn and colleagues found that 59.8% of the patients with MDR had involvement of more than two lung zones [22].

This study showed that consolidations and bronchopneumonic opacities formed the largest proportions of CXR findings in both RR TB and DS TB with cavities formed least common findings. This study showed no significant difference in proportions of the different lesions between RR TB and DS TB. In a study that used chest computed tomography, all the different lesions of active PTB were not significantly different between the two groups except for a higher proportion of cavities amongst the RR TB group (p = 0.007) [23]. Most authors stipulate those cavities facilitate development of resistance to antimicrobial treatment as the lining of the cavity prevents penetration of drugs and the high bacterial titers in the cavity facilitate the development of resistance [23]. It is not clear if primary infection with MDR causes cavity formation. In some studies, patients with no previous history of MDR infection had a fewer proportion of cavities [13]. This could explain why cavities were not so dominant in this population since only three patients had a history of failed treatment.

Majority of findings were unilateral in both RR TB and DS TB with no significant difference between the two groups. Some studies demonstrated that there was a difference in distribution with DS TB showing a more bilateral distribution and was attributed to delayed diagnosis and initiation of treatment allowing for more spread of disease to involve both lungs [5], [13].

The limitation of the study was that it was a retrospective study looking at records as such some records were incomplete. This was a hospital-based study and only patients with CXR were included in the study, henceforth it introduced a selection bias.

5. Conclusion

The study found no statistically significant difference in chest x-ray patterns of PTB between RR TB and DS TB among immunocompetent patients. Among HIV-positive patients, cavity sizes were significantly larger in RR TB compared to DS TB. Our study found that CXR couldn’t differentiate RR TB from DS TB. Hence clinicians should not bother using CXR as a screening tool for RR TB.

6. Ethics approval and consent to participate

Waiver of informed consent was obtained. Ethical approval was obtained from Makerere University School of Medicine Research and Ethics committee and administrative clearance was sought from Mulago National Referral Hospital.

7. Consent for publication

Not applicable.

8. Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Funding

No funding.

Author contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the study, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Anthony Oriekot: Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Methodology, Investigation, Project administration, Resources, Writing – original draft. Senai Goitom Sereke: Investigation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. Felix Bongomin: Software, Formal analysis, Data curation, Writing – review & editing. Samuel Bugeza: Methodology, Investigation, Resources, Validation. Zeridah Muyinda: Methodology, Supervision, Validation, Visualization.

Declaration of Competing Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Appendix A. Supplementary data

The following are the Supplementary data to this article: