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Asymptomatic congenital tuberculosis: A case report
Patrick M Meyer Sauteur1, Ewerton Marques-Maggio, Christa Relly
1Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich Division of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich Institute of Medical Microbiology Swiss National Center for Mycobacteria, University of Zurich Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
A rare case of asymptomatic congenital tuberculosis (TB) in an infant highlights diagnostic challenges. This finding suggests congenital TB may be underdiagnosed, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatology
Background:
- Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is a rare but severe condition.
- Previous reports focused on symptomatic cases.
Observation:
- An 8-week-old infant presented with asymptomatic congenital TB.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via culture-positive lung TB and exclusion of postnatal transmission, meeting Cantwell criteria.
Findings:
- The infant received 6 months of ambulatory anti-tuberculosis treatment.
- An 18-month follow-up showed an uneventful recovery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic difficulties associated with congenital TB.
- It raises questions about the potential underestimation of congenital TB prevalence.
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