Correlation of Female Genital Tuberculosis and Infertility: A Comprehensive Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Female Genital Tuberculosis Infertility Pathway Analysis

Abstract

Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is a significant health concern that can lead to infertility in women. FGTB is a common form of tuberculosis that affects the female reproductive organs. In India, around 27.5 million individuals are facing infertility issues due to female factors, and FGTB might be one of the leading causes. A systematic review and proportion meta-analysis of six studies was conducted using MedCalc 20.116 to examine the association between FGTB and infertility. The studies were identified through an electronic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Elsevier, and the Cochrane Library from 2010 to 2023. The results showed that FGTB is significantly associated with infertility, with a prevalence of approximately 34.86%. These findings underscore the need for effective interventions to improve reproductive health in women with FGTB. Based on pathway analysis, we conclude that more clinical trials should be conducted to explore the potential utilization of interferon gamma and nuclear receptors as therapeutic drug targets and biomarkers for the prevention of FGTB. The findings of this review will contribute to raising awareness, facilitating accurate diagnosis, and improving the management of FGTB-related infertility.