No, pregnancy itself does not activate tuberculosis (TB). While pregnancy may present unique challenges in diagnosing and treating TB due to overlapping symptoms, it does not increase the risk of latent TB infection progressing to active TB disease.
Understanding TB and Pregnancy
Tuberculosis exists in two forms: latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease. LTBI means the bacteria are present in the body but aren't causing illness. Active TB disease, however, is contagious and requires treatment. Numerous sources, including the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/tb/about/pregnancy.html) and studies published in peer-reviewed journals (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7975823/), confirm that pregnancy does not increase the risk of developing active TB from a latent infection.
- Latent TB Infection (LTBI): The presence of TB bacteria without active disease. Pregnancy does not increase the risk of LTBI progressing to active disease.
- Active TB Disease: The contagious form of TB, causing illness. Pregnancy does not increase the risk of developing active TB disease.
Although studies (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1521661619307041) have shown some immune system changes during pregnancy that might affect the body's response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the overall risk of TB activation remains unchanged. The physiological changes of pregnancy can sometimes mask or mimic TB symptoms, making diagnosis more challenging.
Importance of Screening and Treatment
Despite the lack of increased activation risk, pregnant women with LTBI or active TB require careful management. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial for both the mother's and the fetus's well-being. Untreated TB poses a greater risk than treatment during pregnancy (https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/treatment/pregnancy.htm). Treatment regimens are adapted to ensure both maternal and fetal safety.
