Congenital tuberculosis: a rare manifestation of a common infection

The epidemiology of tuberculosis has changed dramatically over the past 5 years with significant shifts in at-risk populations, resulting in increased disease among young adults and children, especially among those from developing countries. Congenital tuberculosis is rare, and the clinical presentation of tuberculosis during pregnancy and infancy is often non-specific, making recognition difficult. Advances have been made with diagnostic tools, in public health practices, and with treatment recommendations. Controversy and debate continue regarding the safety and use of isoniazid for latent tuberculosis infection during pregnancy. New vaccine development may be promising for the future, but much work is needed to understand the complicated immune response to tuberculosis.