Best practices for the care of pregnant people living with TB

BACKGROUND: Each year more than 200,000 pregnant people become sick with TB, but little is known about how to optimize their diagnosis and therapy. Although there is a need for further research in this population, it is important to recognize that much can be done to improve the services they currently receive. METHODS: Following a systematic review of the literature and the input of a global team of health professionals, a series of best practices for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of TB during pregnancy were developed. RESULTS: Best practices were developed for each of the following areas: 1) screening and diagnosis; 2) reproductive health services and family planning; 3) treatment of drug-susceptible TB; 4) treatment of rifampicin-resistant/multidrug-resistant TB; 5) compassionate infection control practices; 6) feeding considerations; 7) counseling and support; 8) treatment of TB infection/ TB preventive therapy; and 9) research considerations. CONCLUSION: Effective strategies for the care of pregnant people across the TB spectrum are readily achievable and will greatly improve the lives and health of this under-served population.