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Congenital tuberculosis localised to the ear
R C Naranbhai1, W Mathiassen, A F Malan
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|May 1, 1989
Insights
Congenital tuberculous otitis, a rare ear infection, was identified in two infants. Both infants had ear discharge, and their mothers had miliary tuberculosis, suggesting in utero or birth canal transmission.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Congenital tuberculosis is a rare but severe infection in newborns.
- Otitis media, or middle ear infection, can have various causes.
- Miliary tuberculosis is a disseminated form of the disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report cases of localized congenital tuberculous otitis in infants.
- To highlight the potential transmission routes of tuberculosis from mother to infant.
- To increase awareness of this rare presentation of congenital tuberculosis.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two infants presenting with ear discharge.
- Review of maternal medical history for tuberculosis diagnosis.
- Clinical and microbiological assessment for tuberculous otitis.
Main Results:
- Two infants presented with localized congenital tuberculous otitis.
- Both infants' mothers had a diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis.
- Ear discharge was the primary presenting symptom in both infants.
Conclusions:
- Congenital tuberculous otitis is a rare condition that can occur in infants born to mothers with miliary tuberculosis.
- Infection likely occurs in utero or during the birth process.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for affected infants.
Abstract:
We report two infants who had localised congenital tuberculous otitis. In both cases the infants presented with an ear discharge and both mothers had been diagnosed as having miliary tuberculosis. Infection is thought to have occurred in utero or during birth.