Congenital tuberculous lymphadenitis in a preterm infant in Greece

Z Hatzistamatiou1, J Kaleyias, U Ikonomidou

  • 1Neonatal Department, General District Hospital of Athens Alexandra, Athens, Greece.

Insights

Congenital tuberculosis, a rare condition, poses risks during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for newborns, with PCR assays aiding prompt identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Tuberculosis

Background:

  • Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is rare but increasingly recognized due to epidemiological shifts.
  • Pregnancy with TB presents heightened risks for congenital TB transmission.
  • Maternal miliary TB and meningitis preceded the infant's diagnosis.

Observation:

  • A case of a 6-day-old premature infant with tuberculous lymphadenitis is presented.
  • Acid-fast bacilli were identified in lymphatic tissue smears.
  • Cultures confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis infection.

Findings:

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay of lymph node material was positive for M. tuberculosis.
  • The infant presented with atypical clinical manifestations of congenital TB.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for favorable outcomes.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in neonates with suspected congenital TB.
  • PCR assay is a valuable tool for rapid diagnosis in at-risk newborns.
  • Emphasizes the need for heightened awareness of TB in pregnant individuals.
Abstract

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