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Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Challenges, and Risk Factors of Pott's Disease
Ira Glassman1, Kevin H Nguyen1, Jane Giess1
1College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.
Abstract:
Tuberculosis (TB) prevalence is increasing in developed nations and continuing to cause significant mortality in low- and middle-income countries. As a result of the uptick in cases, there also exists an increased prevalence of extrapulmonary TB. TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). When M. tb disseminates to the vertebral column, it is called Pott's disease or spinal TB. The frequency, symptoms, and severity of the disease range by the location of the spine and the region of the affected vertebrae. While the current literature shows that timely diagnosis is crucial to reduce the morbidity and mortality from Pott's disease, there is a lack of specific clinical diagnostic criteria for Pott's disease, and the symptoms may be very non-specific. Studies have shown that novel molecular diagnostic methods are effective and timely choices. Research has implicated the risk factors for the susceptibility and severity of Pott's disease, such as HIV and immunosuppression, poverty, and malnutrition. Based on the current literature available, our group aims to summarize the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic challenges, as well as the known risk factors for Pott's disease within this literature review.
Insights
Pott's disease, or spinal tuberculosis, is a growing concern. This review summarizes its pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and risk factors, highlighting the need for better diagnostic criteria and methods.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
- Public Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is increasing globally, leading to more extrapulmonary cases.
- Pott's disease, or spinal TB caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, presents varied symptoms based on vertebral location.
- Timely diagnosis is critical, yet specific clinical criteria for Pott's disease are lacking, with often non-specific symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis of Pott's disease.
- To summarize clinical features and diagnostic challenges.
- To identify known risk factors for Pott's disease susceptibility and severity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on Pott's disease.
- Analysis of studies on diagnostic methods, including novel molecular approaches.
- Examination of risk factors such as HIV, immunosuppression, poverty, and malnutrition.
Main Results:
- Pott's disease diagnosis is challenged by non-specific symptoms and lack of defined criteria.
- Molecular diagnostic methods show promise for timely and effective diagnosis.
- Risk factors like HIV and malnutrition are associated with increased susceptibility and severity.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for improved diagnostic criteria and methods for Pott's disease.
- Understanding pathogenesis and risk factors is essential for managing spinal TB.
- Further research into novel diagnostics and risk factor mitigation is warranted.
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