Tuberculosis and the obstetrician-gynecologist: a global perspective

Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2013;6(3-4):174-81.

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) infection poses substantial challenges for obstetricians and gynecologists globally, as gynecologic involvement may cause infertility, irregular bleeding, and pelvic pain. If TB-infected women are able to conceive, obstetric complications include intrauterine growth restriction and, more rarely, congenital transmission. Appropriate screening for high-risk populations is crucial for diagnosis and treatment of latent and active TB infection, which may prevent reproductive sequelae for individual patients and, eventually, contribute to complete eradication of the disease.

Keywords: Infertility; Pregnancy; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis screening; Tuberculosis treatment.