Current issues in maternal and perinatal tuberculosis: impact of the HIV-1 epidemic

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and tuberculosis (TB) are among the leading causes of disability and death in the developing world, the largest burden borne by sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Both diseases are significant among women of childbearing age, and TB, although uncommon in pregnancy, is on the increase. While earlier reports were contradictory regarding the effect of TB on the course of pregnancy and vice versa, the negative impacts of each on the other have been documented, some in relation to HIV-1 co-infection. This review focuses on emerging data on maternal and perinatal TB within the context of HIV-1 infection.