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Congenital tuberculosis--report of an autopsy case
Insights
Congenital tuberculosis is a rare but serious condition. This case highlights the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission from an untreated mother to her infant.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Congenital tuberculosis is a rare but severe form of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in newborns.
- Maternal tuberculosis, especially if untreated during pregnancy, poses a significant risk for fetal and neonatal transmission.
Observation:
- An autopsy of a 41-day-old infant revealed congenital tuberculosis with the primary complex in the liver and portal lymph nodes.
- Generalized miliary dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was observed across multiple organs, including the lungs, liver, spleen, brain, and intestines.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination showed tubercles of varying chronicity with massive caseation and minimal lymphohistiocytic or giant cell response.
- The causative agent was confirmed as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical importance of diagnosing and treating maternal tuberculosis to prevent congenital tuberculosis.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in affected newborns.
- Tuberculosis remains a significant public health concern, necessitating vigilance even in seemingly low-prevalence settings.
Abstract:
An autopsy case of congenital tuberculosis is described in a 41-day-old female infant who was born to a mother having active pulmonary tuberculosis. The primary complex was seen in the liver and portal lymph nodes, and there was a generalized miliary dissemination including lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, adrenals, thyroid, thymus, kidneys, brain, and bowel. The organism was confirmed to be Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The tubercles were histopathologically of various chronicity and characterized by massive caseation and fairly poor peripheral lymphohistiocytic reaction. Giant cell response was also minimal. It should be stressed that although rare, tuberculosis is still an important disease in Korea that can involve fetus or newborn infants if pregnant women are untreated or unnoticed for her tuberculosis.