Prevalence of endometrial TB-PCR positive (Latent TB) in a population referred for IVF in a developing country

Abstract Setting Studies have suggested a possible role of anti tubercular treatment for treating infertility in women with latent or preclinical TB. Objective This study investigates the effect of latent TB on IVF outcome. Study design This was a prospective cohort study which included women referred for ART between December 2013 to February 2015. 245 women who consented for an endometrial biopsy for TB DNA-PCR in the premenstrual phase were included in this study. Methods Nested TB DNA PCR for IS6110 and MPB64 was performed on endometrial samples of the women. The effect of latent TB (positive endometrial DNA- PCR) was estimated in terms of statistical difference in clinical pregnancy rate. Results Endometrial TB-DNA PCR was positive for 19 women (7.7%). Clinical pregnancy rate was similar in both groups (28.16 vs. 26.3%; p= 0.5) without anti tubercular treatment. Both PCR positive and negative patients were similar in age, duration and type of infertility, and the infertility diagnosis. Conclusion Positive endometrial TB DNA-PCR (latent TB) alone does not require anti-tubercular drugs for treatment of infertility. TB DNA PCR should not be the sole criterion for diagnosis of genital TB as well as starting or concluding treatment.