Evaluating the implementation and uptake of the Universal Tuberculosis sputum testing by geneXpert ultra in HIV infected pregnant women in city health PHC facilities, Cape Town

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis contributed 33.2% of all non-pregnancy related infections (NPRI) causes of South African maternal mortality, in 2017. The disease contributed 22 of the 46 maternal deaths due to NPRI, in the Western Cape. The early diagnosis of Tuberculosis is therefore imperative in pregnancy to prevent harmful maternal and infant effects. The South African National Department of Health included Universal Tuberculosis sputum testing by GeneXpert Ultra in HIV infected pregnant women in their October 2019 HIV and ART guidelines. It was subsequently adopted the Western Cape Consolidated Guidelines for HIV treatment, in January 2020.