Pregnancy-related Tuberculosis: Delayed Diagnosis, Fatalities

Abstract

Tuberculosis still remains an important global health disease, killing many people annually. Yet it is a preventable cause of death. Maternal mortality rates due to tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa make up a significant proportion of maternal deaths. It remains a disease of poverty, overcrowding and underdevelopment. Pregnancy increases maternal and fatal mortality in AIDS-infected women. In pregnancy it can be a challenging diagnosis to make, delaying treatment that could lead to adverse outcomes. Clinicians working in high prevalence areas of tuberculosis and those looking after immunocompromised patients should maintain a
high index of suspicion. Developing countries must be helped to develop by the world financial institutions with debt reduction. The Sustainable Development Goal aims to end tuberculosis related deaths, transmission and catastrophic costs by 2030. Tuberculosis is a preventable death, the world must act together to prevent unnecessary deaths.