Interpretation of the Guidelines for the prevention and management of mother-to-child transmission of tuberculosis

doi:10.19982/j.issn.1000-6621.20260197

Abstract

Abstract:

Prevention and control of tuberculosis (TB) during pregnancy and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) are key and challenging issues in the global TB prevention and control system. Especially in TB high burden areas, with the rapid development of assisted reproductive technology, its clinical diagnosis, treatment and public health management face greater challenges. Focusing on the newly released Guidelines for the prevention and management of mother-to-child transmission of tuberculosis (hereinafter referred to as “the Guidelines”), this paper systematically elaborates on key contents including pre-pregnancy TB screening, diagnosis and standardized treatment of active TB during pregnancy, management of latent tuberculosis infection, evaluation and management of neonatal TB, as well as prevention and control related to in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). The Guidelines recommend pre-pregnancy screening among high-risk populations. For suspected cases during pregnancy, sputum molecular biological testing is prioritized. Once TB is confirmed, anti-tuberculosis treatment balancing efficacy and fetal safety should be initiated immediately, with multidisciplinary management implemented. After delivery of pregnant women with gestational TB, neonates may receive preventive treatment and follow-up after excluding active TB. Individuals planning IVF-ET should complete TB assessment and prevention first. It is emphasized that early evaluation, molecular testing-assisted diagnosis, rational preventive treatment and appropriate timing of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination should be carried out for neonates after exposure, with postpartum isolation and breastfeeding management implemented. By promoting advanced diagnostic technologies, strengthening healthcare worker training, implementing multidisciplinary collaboration and patient education, early detection and intervention of gestational TB can be achieved, adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes can be reduced, and the effective implementation of TB MTCT prevention and control strategies at both clinical and public health levels can be promoted.

Key words: Tuberculosis, Pregnancy complications, infectious, Diagnostic techniques and procedures, Protective agents, Reproductive techniques, assisted

CLC Number:

Wang Xiaomin, Xu Peng, Chen Zhenyan, Long Yujiao, Wang Jin, Liu Han, Gao Wenying, Fang Mutong. Interpretation of the Guidelines for the prevention and management of mother-to-child transmission of tuberculosis[J]. Chinese Journal of Antituberculosis, 2026, 48(8): 1113-1119. doi: 10.19982/j.issn.1000-6621.20260197

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