Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
10:04

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates

Published on: September 5, 2017

[Congenital tuberculosis. Infrequent presentation of a common disease]

Ricardo S Dalamón1, Silvina N Cantelli, Diego Jaroslavsky

  • 1Centro Neonatal y Pediátrico, Sanatorio y Maternidad Santa Isabel. ricardodalamon@yahoo.com

Archivos Argentinos De Pediatria
|July 29, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Congenital tuberculosis is a severe, rapidly progressive newborn disease. Diagnosis requires specific lesions, placental involvement, and exclusion of other exposures, as seen in a fatal case.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Congenital tuberculosis (CTB) is a rare but severe condition in newborns.
  • CTB is distinct from neonatal tuberculosis due to specific diagnostic criteria including early-life lesions and maternal placental involvement.

Observation:

  • A 20-day-old infant presented with fever, hepatoesplenomegaly, abdominal distension, and respiratory distress.
  • Imaging revealed ascites, hepatosplenomegaly, portal lymphadenopathy, and thoracic micronodular infiltrates.
  • Maternal history included pneumonia with pleural effusion during pregnancy.

Findings:

  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis was confirmed post-mortem via gastric lavage, blood, and spleen cultures.
  • The infant's presentation and autopsy findings were consistent with congenital tuberculosis.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the critical need for early recognition and diagnosis of congenital tuberculosis in neonates presenting with severe, non-specific symptoms.
  • Prompt identification and treatment are crucial, although outcomes remain challenging.
  • Further research into diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies for congenital tuberculosis is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Tuberculosis01:23

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...