Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health concern, especially in resource-constrained countries, such as Bangladesh. This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to antibiotic misuse by assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP). A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 20 to August 30, 2022, among 704 parents of school-going children in Dhaka South City. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the KAP, and multivariate models, including linear and ordinal logistic regression, were used to explore the associations between these factors. The findings revealed that approximately 22% of the participants were male and 78% were female. Most parents (58%) had completed higher secondary education. Approximately 45% of the respondents demonstrated moderate knowledge, 53% had uncertain attitudes, and 64% exhibited antibiotic misuse. Factors such as parental age, education level, employment status, income, child's age, and family type significantly influenced KAP. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted education and awareness initiatives to enhance knowledge and responsible antibiotic use among parents, contributing to global efforts against antibiotic resistance. The government should enforce laws and regulations regarding the misuse of antibiotics.

Background: Dengue is a major public health concern in Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess the perceptions and practices of community members in Dhaka regarding community engagement and social participation for dengue prevention.Methods: A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted in Dhaka City from May 2022 to December 2022. The respondents were randomly selected. The association between community participation and prevention practices was tested using the χ² test.Results: The findings of this study indicate that the majority of participants (92%) believed that community effort would be relied upon in the event of a dengue outbreak. Environmental cleaning campaigns were the preferred approach, and religious leaders viewed them positively. This study also revealed significant variations in knowledge levels, with those involved in community efforts and mass gatherings demonstrating greater knowledge. This study sheds light on the demographic factors that influence dengue knowledge and provides valuable insights into the development of targeted public health interventions.Conclusion: The study revealed negative perceptions and limited participation in dengue prevention among participants, with the majority demonstrating a poor understanding of preventive measures. While some showed positive attitudes towards community engagement, significant disparities existed in participation, highlighting the need for targeted educational campaigns and enhanced community mobilization efforts. Moreover, the importance of multisectoral collaboration is emphasized, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts among health departments, NGOs, religious institutions, and community leaders to effectively combat dengue transmission. Recommendations include ongoing educational initiatives, targeted interventions to promote community involvement, and fostering collaboration across sectors to strengthen dengue prevention efforts and to safeguard public health.

Background and Aims: Antibiotic resistance presents a significant global public health challenge, particularly for urinary tract infections (UTIs), and is notably severe in developing countries. Surveillance of the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of UTI‐causing bacteria is crucial for effective treatment selection. This study aimed to analyze these patterns in bacteria isolated from the urine samples of patients at Mughda Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.Methods: A retrospective study (January 2019 to December 2020) at Mugdha Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, examined clinical and laboratory data from patients with positive urine cultures (≥10⁵ CFU/mL). The study classified patients into four age groups: children (1–<18 years), young adults (18–50 years). The standard Kirby‐Bauer method was used to assess antibiotic sensitivity to 28 common antibiotics.Results: Among 243 positive urine cultures in both community‐ and hospital‐acquired UTIs, Escherichia coli was the most common uropathogen (65.84%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (12.34%), Enterococcus spp. (8.23%), and other types of bacteria.Conclusion: Old adults are particularly vulnerable to UTIs, with E. coli being the predominant causative agent in the study region. The observed antimicrobial resistance patterns underscore the necessity of judicious antibiotic selection to effectively treat UTIs across different age groups.

Thalassemia poses a major public health concern in Bangladesh with a high prevalence of carriers. However, there is a substantial knowledge gap regarding its epidemiology, clinical aspects, and treatment outcomes. Despite its high prevalence, there is a notable lack of awareness regarding thalassemia in the Bangladeshi population. The absence of precisely validated data impedes a comprehensive understanding of this disease.Premarital thalassemia screening is reportedly a successful strategy for countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran and has also been proposed for Bangladesh. Mandatory screening coupled with genetic counseling is promising for reducing the prevalence of thalassemia by identifying carriers and providing relevant health education. However, sociocultural barriers, challenges, financial constraints, and health risks associated with prenatal diagnosis and abortion could hinder the success of such programs.Positive outcomes from other countries underscore the effectiveness of such programs in reducing thalassemia incidence. The early identification of carriers and genetic counseling can significantly reduce the burden of thalassemia. Additionally, the strain on the healthcare system would be eased, and the quality of life of thalassemia patients would be improved.In conclusion, based on evidence mandatory premarital screening with genetic counseling could be an effective measure to reduce the prevalence of thalassemia in Bangladesh. Leveraging positive attitudes, adopting successful international models, and addressing existing challenges are crucial for the successful implementation of programs that contribute to the overall health and well-being of the country’s population.

Background and Aims: Dengue is a mosquito‐borne viral disease that frequently causes seasonal outbreaks in Bangladesh, particularly during the monsoon months from June to September. Recent outbreaks have shown significant shifts in clinical manifestations, including changes in the timeframe and serotype mixing. This study focused on the clinical and hematological profiles of patients during the 2022 outbreak, which was notably severe. Methods: This quantitative cross‐sectional study at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital classified 67 dengue‐positive patients as having dengue fever (DF), dengue fever with warning signs (DFWS), and severe dengue (SD). Fisher's exact test, Pearson's chi‐squared test, and Wilcoxon rank‐sum test were conducted for statistical analysis using the R software (version 4.2), with significance established at p < 0.05. Results: Predominantly male patients (76%) aged 21−40 (63%) and middle‐class patients from Dhaka (57%) formed the majority. Most patients (45%) lacked a regular drainage system. Laboratory tests showed 63% NS1 antigen (nonspecific antigen 1) positivity, and 16% tested positive for both NS1 and IgM (Immunoglobulin M). Symptoms included headache (84%), retroorbital pain (51%), joint pain (75%), myalgia (72%), vomiting (75%), abdominal pain (69%), diarrhea (39%), and shock (48%). Thrombocytopenia was present in 61% of patients, with 79% showing elevated hematocrit (HCT) levels. Pedal edema, pleural effusion, and ascites were observed in DF and DFWS cases, while SD cases exhibited distinct HCT level variations. Conclusion: Accurate clinical and laboratory assessments are vital for the treatment and prediction of dengue outcomes in Bangladesh, given the severe manifestations of dengue shock syndrome (DSS). It is characterized by headache, muscle pain, thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukopenia, and potential neurological complications or mortality. Severe cases involve critical plasma leakage, leading to DSS with fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, and potential multiorgan involvement. Enhancing physician awareness regarding dengue case detection and management, along with routine dengue testing, are recommended for early diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.

Carbapenems are the antibiotics of choice for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are carbapenemases capable of hydrolyzing nearly all therapeutically available beta-lactam antibiotics. Consequently, this research assessed the distribution of two MBL genes and three β-lactamases and their associated phenotypic resistance in diarrheal and urinary-tract infections (UTIs) to guide future policies. Samples were collected through a cross-sectional study, and β-lactamase genes were detected via PCR. A total of 228 diarrheal bacteria were isolated from 240 samples. The most predominant pathogens were Escherichia coli (32%) and Klebsiella spp. (7%). Phenotypic resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, aztreonam, cefuroxime, cefixime, cefepime, imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, netilmicin, and amikacin was 50.4%, 65.6%, 66.8%, 80.5%, 54.4%, 41.6%, 25.7%, 41.2%, 37.2%, and 42.9%, respectively. A total of 142 UTI pathogens were identified from 150 urine samples. Klebsiella spp. (39%) and Escherichia coli (24%) were the major pathogens isolated. Phenotypic resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, aztreonam, cefuroxime, cefixime, cefepime, imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, netilmicin, and amikacin was 93.7%, 75.0%, 91.5%, 93.7%, 88.0%, 72.5%, 13.6%, 44.4%, 71.1%, and 43%, respectively. Twenty-four diarrheal isolates carried blaNDM-1 or blaVIM genes. The overall MBL gene prevalence was 10.5%. Thirty-six UTI pathogens carried either blaNDM-1 or blaVIM genes (25.4%). Seven isolates carried both blaNDM-1 and blaVIM genes. MBL genes were strongly associated with phenotypic carbapenem and other β-lactam antibiotic resistance. blaOXA imparted significantly higher phenotypic resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. Active surveillance and stewardship programs are urgently needed to reduce carbapenem resistance in Bangladesh.