From the Guidelines
Yes, Bangladesh is considered a high-risk tuberculosis (TB) area, with an incidence rate exceeding 100 cases per 100,000 population, which is the threshold for defining high-risk groups 1. The definition of high-risk groups is based on an incidence clearly in excess of that in the general population, with an incidence of >100 cases per 100,000 population 1. Key factors contributing to the high TB risk in Bangladesh include:
- High population density
- Poverty
- Limited healthcare infrastructure
- Prevalence of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) Some important considerations for individuals traveling to or working in Bangladesh include:
- TB screening before and after their visit
- Following appropriate infection control measures, including the use of N95 respirators when caring for potential TB patients
- TB testing upon return home, typically using either a tuberculin skin test (TST) or an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test 1. It is essential to note that the high TB prevalence in Bangladesh is influenced by socioeconomic factors, overcrowded living conditions, and challenges in healthcare access, making it crucial to prioritize TB control and prevention efforts in the country 1.
From the Research
Tuberculosis Risk in Bangladesh
- Bangladesh is considered a high-risk area for tuberculosis (TB) due to its high burden of the disease 2, 3.
- The country has a high incidence of TB, with some areas having a significantly higher incidence than others 2.
- Studies have shown that there is substantial geographic heterogeneity in TB incidence in Bangladesh, with some wards having an incidence rate over ten times higher than others 2.
Prevalence of TB in Bangladesh
- The median true prevalence of TB in Bangladesh was estimated to be 14.2% in a study conducted in 2018 3.
- The study also found that several DOTS centers had a high prevalence of TB, ranging from 22.3% to 43.7% 3.
- Another study found that about one in every seven TB suspects was affected with TB, and some patients carried multi-drug resistant MTB 3.
Risk Factors for TB in Bangladesh
- Risk factors for TB in Bangladesh include age, with individuals between 25-45 years and 45-60 years being more likely to have TB 3.
- Other risk factors include being in a family or neighborhood where a TB patient has already been present, fatigue, night sweat, fever, and hemoptysis 3.
- HIV infection has also been associated with reduced concentrations of rifampin and ethambutol, two key drugs used to treat TB 4.