Study on How Tuberculosis Infection Affects Placenta Development and Function in Pregnant Women

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how tuberculosis TB infection affects the development and function of the placenta in pregnant women. This observational study focuses on whether TB infection can cause changes in the placentas structure and function, possibly contributing to pregnancy complications. The study is conducted in public hospitals in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, where pregnant women are tested for TB infection using a blood test. Participants are enrolled when admitted to labor wards for delivery. The study involves collecting blood samples before delivery to test for TB infection and immune responses. The placenta is collected immediately after birth for detailed examination, including tissue analysis, RNA and protein expression studies, and detection of TB bacteria. Additional infant outcomes are assessed at birth and at a 6-week follow-up visit. Throughout the study, researchers collect detailed information on maternal and infant health, pregnancy history, and delivery details using questionnaires and medical records. Participants with suspected active TB provide sputum samples for further testing. The main outcome measured is the presence of pathological changes in the placenta, with additional assessments including gene and protein expression linked to pregnancy disorders and infant health outcomes. Follow-up visits and laboratory analyses support comprehensive monitoring of TBs impact on pregnancy over the study period.

Effects of Tuberculosis Infection on Development and Function of the Placenta