Research Review Presentation: TB Incidence in Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Overview

As part of the FESIP Journal Club scientific webinar series, I delivered a structured research review presentation examining global estimates of tuberculosis (TB) incidence during pregnancy and the postpartum period, with women living with HIV included as a comparative risk group.

The session was designed for an audience of researchers, epidemiologists, and genomic scientists, with emphasis on methodological critique, modelling assumptions, and implications for maternal infectious disease surveillance.

Presentation Focus

The review critically analysed:

Global modelling approaches used to estimate TB incidence in pregnant and postpartum populations
Comparative incidence differentials between women with and without HIV
Data scarcity challenges in maternal infectious disease epidemiology
Assumptions embedded within rapid review and modelling methodologies
Regional heterogeneity and burden distribution patterns

Special attention was given to how HIV status modifies TB risk and the implications for integrated maternal health policy.

Methodological Appraisal

The presentation went beyond summary to conduct a structured methodological critique, including:

Evaluation of systematic review design and data inclusion criteria
Assessment of modelling frameworks and parameter assumptions
Examination of uncertainty intervals and sensitivity analyses
Review of data harmonisation strategies across heterogeneous sources
Identification of potential bias arising from surveillance gaps

Comparative interpretation of TB incidence among pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV highlighted epidemiological interactions and co-morbidity burden amplification.

Analytical and Epidemiological Insights

Key analytical themes discussed included:

The elevated vulnerability window during pregnancy and postpartum immunological shifts
Interaction effects between HIV prevalence and TB burden
Limitations of global burden estimation in low-surveillance settings
Implications for maternal health monitoring systems
Need for improved longitudinal cohort data

The session linked findings to broader infectious disease modelling and maternal health surveillance strategies.

Knowledge Translation and Scientific Engagement

The webinar fostered technical dialogue across disciplines, integrating epidemiology, genomics, and data modelling perspectives.

Outputs included:

Structured slide deck with methodological breakdown
Comparative incidence visualisations
Discussion of policy implications for TB/HIV co-management
Q&A engagement focused on research gaps and future modelling improvements

The presentation reinforced the importance of rigorous modelling, transparent assumptions, and context-sensitive interpretation in global health estimation studies.

Impact

This engagement demonstrated:

Advanced competency in epidemiological modelling interpretation
Capacity to critically appraise high-level global health research
Ability to translate complex modelling studies into structured scientific dialogue
Alignment with maternal infectious disease and TB research priorities

The session contributed to interdisciplinary learning and strengthened collaborative engagement between data scientists and genomic research professionals.