Prevalence and Temporal Trends of Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis in Iran from 1981 to 2023: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The results of this comprehensive meta-analysis highlight the increasing trend of MDR-TB in Iran over the past two decades. This underscores the urgent need for strengthening TB control strategies, including improved surveillance, case detection, treatment, and management of MDR-TB in the country. Developing diagnostic and treatment approaches for MDR-TB should be prioritized by Iranian medical universities and public health authorities.