The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a press release noting the results of a UK study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, which found that the risk of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis is significantly increased in women during the first six months after pregnancy.  The researchers analysed data from the General Practice Research Database on all women who were pregnant between 1996 and 2008 (192,801 women and 264,136 pregnancies).  There were 177 cases of TB among this group - they calculated that this was equivalent to a rate of 15.4 per 100,000, which is higher than that seen in those who are not pregnant (9.1 per 100,000).   After adjusting for age, region and socio-economic status, the risk was significantly increased among those in the six months following pregnancy but not during pregnancy (the authors do however say that the risk during pregnancy is nonetheless likely to be increased).

The lead author states that future guidance to healthcare workers, especially midwives and health visitors, should take into account these findings.  Please see the link below for details.