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Perinatal tuberculosis: two unusual cases

S Basu1, A Kumar, B K Das

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. drsriparnabasu@rediffmail.com

Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|January 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Two immunocompromised infants with perinatal tuberculosis experienced severe lung disease. Diagnosis was confirmed using PCR, highlighting the importance of early detection in vulnerable newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatal Immunology
  • Mycobacterial Infections

Background:

  • Perinatal tuberculosis is a rare but serious condition in newborns.
  • Immunocompromised infants are at increased risk for severe disseminated disease.
  • Maternal tuberculosis and HIV co-infection pose significant challenges for infant health.

Observation:

  • Two cases of immunocompromised infants with perinatal tuberculosis are presented.
  • Both infants exhibited bilateral miliary mottling on lung imaging.
  • Risk factors included maternal tuberculosis and infant prednisolone use or perinatal HIV infection.

Findings:

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) confirmed tuberculosis in both infants.
  • Diagnosis was achieved through PCR analysis of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • Maternal infections included tuberculous endometritis and pulmonary tuberculosis, alongside HIV infection in one family.

Implications:

  • Highlights the diagnostic utility of PCR in early identification of neonatal tuberculosis.
  • Emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and screening for tuberculosis in immunocompromised infants and their families.
  • Underscores the challenges in managing tuberculosis co-infected with HIV in the perinatal period.

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