Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) that are multi-drug resistant (MDR) represent a significant source of illness and death in intensive care units (ICUs), especially in low- and middle-income nations where antimicrobial resistance is escalating quickly. Ongoing monitoring of causative agents and their resistance patterns is crucial for directing empirical antibiotic treatment and updating hospital antibiotic guidelines. Objective: To determine the bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bloodstream isolates among ICU patientsadmitted to Gazi Medical College Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the ICU of Gazi Medical CollegeHospital from July 2025 to April 2026. Blood samples from clinically suspected cases of infection were collected and processed using standard microbiological methods, including culture, isolation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by the disc diffusion method. Interpretation was performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 and expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 200 blood samples were analyzed, of which 81(40.5%) yielded microbial growth. Gram-negative bacteria predominated, with Escherichia coli being the most common isolate (31, 15.5%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (24, 12.0%) and Klebsiella spp. (15, 7.5%). Among S. aureus, high resistance to cefoxitin (70.8%) and cloxacillin (66.7%) suggested a high prevalence of MRSA, while linezolid (70.9%) and vancomycin (75.0%) remained the most effective agents. Among Gram-negative isolates, E. coli showed the highest susceptibility to colistin (100.0%), amikacin (83.9%), and gentamicin (80.6%), but high resistance to nalidixic acid (96.8%), ceftazidime (93.5%), and ceftriaxone (83.9%), indicating probable ESBL production. Klebsiella spp. demonstrated 100% resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and low susceptibility to meropenem (20.0%). Colistin remained the most effective drug across Gram-negative organisms. Conclusion: The study revealed a high burden of bloodstream infections in ICU patients with predominance of MDR Gram-negative bacteria and a substantial prevalence of MRSA. Due to the startlingly high level of resistance to carbapenems and third-generation cephalosporins, colistin and a small number of other drugs were the only viable treatments. Strict infection control procedures, antimicrobial stewardship, and routine ICU antibiogram updates are desperately needed to stop the spread of resistant microorganisms and enhance clinical results. Mediscope 2026;13(2): 89-96
Background: Snake bites are a significant public health issue, especially in tropical and subtropical areas, affecting 4-18 million people annually and causing up to 120,000 deaths. The burden is mainly in rural communities of South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Bangladesh faces about 800,000 snake bites yearly, with 52 of the 200 poisonous species. Snake bites can cause severe physical and psychological effects, like PTSD and anxiety. Despite its impact, snakebite remains underreported due to high non-venomous incidents. Efforts aim to halve snakebite-related deaths and disabilities by 2030. Aim of the study: This study aimed to examine the psychological effects of snakebites in Southern Bangladesh. Methods: This observational study focused on snakebite incidents in five districts of southern Bangladesh: Khulna, Jashore, Satkhira, Bagerhat, and Gopalganj. The study was conducted from August 2022 to March 2023 and included 50 individuals who survived venomous snakebites, selected through purposive, convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria were any age and gender with venomous bites, while non-venomous cases and fatalities were excluded. Data collection involved face-to-face interviews and questionnaires, analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 for Windows. Demographic details and clinical symptoms were documented, with continuous data presented as mean±SD and categorical data as frequency and percentage. Results: The study analysed 50 snakebite patients, with 30% aged 16-30 and 28% aged 46-60. The average age was 34.59 years. Men comprised 64% of participants, and 52% had only a primary education. Occupationally, 36% were farmers, and 12% were students. Socioeconomically, 64% were lower class, and 76% were Muslims. A significant 58% sought primary care, often trusting in traditional healers (76%) over medical treatment (12%). Post-bite, 82% avoided hospitals, and 82% reported psychological issues. 34% had moderate depression, 36% had mild anxiety, and 70% had moderate to severe PTSD, with 12% experiencing immune system effects. Conclusion: The study examines psychiatric issues after snakebites in Southern Bangladesh, where victims often seek traditional healers instead of medical care. Mainly affecting young males in agriculture, 72% experienced anxiety, 58% depression, and 70% PTSD. The study highlights the need for awareness and early psychological intervention for recovery. Mediscope 2026;13(2): 111-117
Background: Ovarian tumor in pregnancy presents a unique clinical challenge due to difficulties in diagnosis and management that are increasingly being faced by the clinician. After surgery, the nature of the tumor should be confirmed by histopathology. Early diagnosis usually leads to a good prognosis. Aim: The study aimed to analyze the diverse histomorphological features of ovarian tumors in pregnancy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Obs & Gynae and Pathology of Gazi Medical College, Khulna, from January 2023 to June 2025. In this study, thirty (30) samples of ovarian tumors were collected. The specimens were received in different forms, processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined under a light microscope to evaluate histopathologic characteristics. The data was tabulated, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: In this study age of the patients varied from 19 to 35 years. The mean age was 27.2±4.59 years. The right ovary (70%) was found to be affected more than the left ovary. Regarding parity, most of the patient (40%) was 2nd gravida. Most of the patients were diagnosed incidentally during C/S (90%). Three patients were diagnosed by USG and underwent laparotomy during the second trimester (10%). Histologically, the most common tumor was serous cystadenoma (73%), followed by mature cysticteratoma (10%). In the present study, only 1 patient was diagnosed as a malignant mixed germ cell tumor (3.3%). No significant correlation was found between the age, laterality, parity, and the histological study of the tumor. Conclusion: Histopathological study plays a very important role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of ovarian tumors. This study highlighted the distinct incidences and pathological characteristics of a wide range of ovarian tumors in pregnancy. While ovarian tumors in pregnancy are relatively rare, a multidisciplinary approach is essential to optimize maternal & fetal outcome. Mediscope 2026;13(2): 77-81
Preeclampsia is a multifaceted, systemic hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, the exact etiopathogenesis of which remains incompletely understood. With a global prevalence of 5–10%, it ranks as the third most frequent cause of pregnancy-related maternal fatalities. The present cross-sectional study was designed to assess the differential serum iron status between preeclamptic patients and their normotensive counterparts. Conducted over 12 months (July 2016–June 2017) at the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh, the study enrolled 100 pregnant women, evenly divided into a case group (n=50) with preeclampsia and a control group (n=50) with uncomplicated pregnancies. Serum iron levels were measured via a standardized colorimetric method, and statistical evaluation was carried out using SPSS version 21, employing Student's unpaired t-test for intergroup comparisons. The results demonstrated a substantially higher mean serum iron concentration in the preeclamptic group (190.65 ±22.77 μg/dl) compared to the normal pregnancy group (108.85 ±23.91 μg/dl), with the difference achieving high statistical significance (P<0.001). Mediscope 2026;13(2): 130-134
Background: Low back pain after spinal anaesthesia is a recognised postoperative complaint. Clinical observations suggest it disproportionately affects pregnant women undergoing cesarean section, while non-obstetric patients rarely report similar symptoms. Aim of the study: This study aimed to compare the frequency and pattern of low back pain after spinal anaesthesia in obstetric and non-obstetric patients at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: This retrospective comparative study was conducted at Gazi Medical College Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh, from July 2024 to June 2025, and included 80 patients undergoing surgery under spinal anaesthesia: 40 obstetric and 40 non-obstetric. Data were extracted from hospital records and postoperative follow-up documents, and group comparisons were performed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and unpaired t-tests, with binary logistic regression used to identify predictors of post-spinal low back pain. Results: Obstetric patients were significantly younger than non-obstetric patients. The mean age was 27.8 ± 4.6 versus 38.9 ± 12.4 years. Obstetric patients also had higher BMI (28.1 ± 3.2 versus 24.6 ± 3.8 kg/m²), both p<0.001. They more often underwent spinal anaesthesia in the sitting position (77.5% vs 50.0%, p=0.010) and had multiple spinal attempts (40.0% vs 22.5%). Low back pain after spinal anaesthesia was significantly more frequent in obstetric patients at 6 months (40.0% vs 17.5%; p=0.027) and at 6 to 12 months (27.5% vs 10.0%; p=0.044). Among patients with low back pain, obstetric patients had higher pain scores at 6 months (4.8 ± 1.6 vs 3.6 ± 1.2) and greater functional limitation (43.8% vs 14.3%). Multivariable analysis showed independent predictors of low back pain: obstetric status (AOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.02 to 8.01, p=0.046), previous low back pain (AOR 3.78, 95% CI 1.02 to 14.06, p=0.047), multiple spinal attempts (AOR 3.12, 95% CI 1.08 to 9.04, p=0.036), and immediate post-procedure back discomfort (AOR 4.63, 95% CI 1.39 to 15.41, p=0.013). Conclusion: Low back pain after spinal anaesthesia was more common in obstetric than non-obstetric patients, suggesting that spinal anaesthesia alone may not fully explain the observed differences. The findings suggest that factors such as previous back pain, higher BMI, multiple spinal attempts, and early post-procedure back discomfort also influence post-spinal low back pain. Mediscope 2026;13(2): 82-88
