Congenital tuberculosis after in-vitro fertilisation

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is a rare but severe condition where TB is transmitted from mother to fetus.
• In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology increasingly used worldwide.
• Limited data exists on congenital TB transmission following IVF procedures.

Observation:

• A 6-week-old infant conceived via IVF presented with a skin lesion, enlarged lymph nodes, and severe respiratory distress.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified in the infant, with the mother being the only identified potential source.
• The infant's clinical presentation was complex, involving dermatological, lymphatic, and respiratory systems.

Findings:

• This report details the first case of congenital tuberculosis following IVF in Australia and the second globally.
• The diagnosis of congenital TB was challenging due to the infant's non-specific symptoms and the unusual transmission route.
• Identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis confirmed the infectious etiology.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical importance of comprehensive screening for infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, in individuals undergoing infertility investigations and assisted reproductive technologies.
• It emphasizes the need for heightened clinical suspicion and advanced diagnostic approaches for congenital tuberculosis, particularly in infants born after IVF.
• Further research is warranted to understand the specific risks and optimal screening protocols for congenital TB in the context of assisted reproduction.