Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part B (2025)

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a primary global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh, which ranks among the top 30 high-burden nations. Despite national control efforts, regional disparities in TB prevalence persist, especially in northern Bangladesh. This region, marked by rural poverty, limited healthcare access, and social stigma, may face underreporting and undiagnosed Spinal TB cases. Contributing factors include malnutrition, comorbidities, and seasonal migration. Regional epidemiological insights are vital to guide targeted interventions and support Bangladesh’s alignment with the WHO End TB Strategy goals for 2030.
Aim of the study: This study aims to assess the prevalence of spinal tuberculosis in the northern areas of Bangladesh through a cross-sectional observational approach.
Methods: This retrospective observational study assessed Spinal TB prevalence among 45 suspected cases at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College and Hospital, Bogura, from January 2020 to December 2023. Patients of all ages and sexes who underwent diagnostic evaluations for Spinal TB were included, while incomplete records or non-TB diagnoses were excluded. Data were extracted from patient records using a structured checklist covering socio-demographic, clinical, and diagnostic information. Diagnostic methods included X-ray Spine, MRI of Spine, CT scan of spine, Image guided FNAC or Biopsy, GeneXpert, and culture. TB status and classification were noted. Data were entered into Excel and analyzed in SPSS v26.0 using descriptive statistics to determine the proportion of confirmed Spinal TB cases.
Results: Among 45 suspected Spinal TB patients, 48.89% were confirmed cases. Most participants were aged 25-44 years (44.44%) and male (62.22%), with primary or no formal education. Farmers and laborers were the predominant occupations, and 60% lived in rural areas. Clinically, the most commonly reported symptom was a motor weakness were (66.67%), followed by Sensory deficit (60.0%), Bladder dysfunction (40.0%), and Bowel dysfunction (56.6%). A smaller proportion reported hemoptysis (22.22%) or had a history of TB (15.56%). Notably, 28.89% had close contact with known TB patients, and 75.56% showed a BCG vaccination scar. Culture was performed in 15 participants, of which 66.67% were culture-positive. Overall, 37 participants (82.22%) were confirmed to have TB, while 08 (17.88%) were TB-negative.
Conclusion: This study reveals a significant TB burden in northern Bangladesh, especially among rural, low-educated young males. The high prevalence of pulmonary and MDR-TB stresses the urgent need for improved diagnostics, targeted public health strategies, and strengthened treatment programs to reduce TB transmission and drug resistance in the region effectively.