Tuberculosis

A serious, bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There were 14,800 cases in the US in 2003, but 1.7 million deaths from this infection worldwide. Tb is more common in certain high risk groups such as those who are HIV-positive, foreign born persons from countries with a high prevalence, IV drug users, alcoholics, those living with someone who has tuberculosis, etc. There is a skin test that will identify those infected. It is not recommended for all pregnant women, but only those at high risk.

Tuberculosis can cause problems in the fetus such as low birth weight, however, pregnant women may also have a slightly higher risk of complications from therapy.