Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Challenges, and Risk Factors of Pott's Disease

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.

Automated summary

The prevalence of tuberculosis is increasing in developed nations and continues to cause significant mortality in low- and middle-income countries. The rise in cases has also led to an increased occurrence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, particularly in the spinal column (Pott's disease). Timely diagnosis is crucial, but there is a lack of specific clinical diagnostic criteria for Pott's disease, making the symptoms challenging to identify. Molecular diagnostic methods have shown effectiveness in diagnosing the disease. Risk factors such as HIV, immunosuppression, poverty, and malnutrition have been implicated in the susceptibility and severity of Pott's disease.