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Updated: Feb 6, 2026
Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
Congenital Tuberculosis: A New Concern in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Desi M Newberry1, Tracey Robertson Bell
1WakeMed Health and Hospitals, Raleigh, North Carolina (Dr Newberry); East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina (Drs Newberry and Robertson Bell); and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Robertson Bell).
Insights
Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is a rare but growing concern in the US due to immigration. Healthcare providers should consider congenital TB in infants with sepsis-like symptoms unresponsive to antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is a rare condition in the United States.
- Increasing immigration from TB-endemic countries elevates the public health importance of diagnosing congenital TB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of congenital TB.
- To examine the implications for healthcare professionals in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) exposed to TB.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar.
Main Results:
- Fewer than 400 congenital TB cases were reported globally before 1994, with 18 additional cases from 2001-2005.
- Increased awareness is crucial for neonatal providers as the US immigrant population grows, with many originating from TB-endemic regions.
Conclusions:
- Interpreting TB tests in newborns is challenging due to reduced sensitivity and specificity, necessitating further research into optimal diagnostic practices.
- Congenital TB must be considered in infants presenting with sepsis or pneumonia unresponsive to antibiotics.
- Protocols are needed for managing TB-exposed healthcare workers in NICUs.
Background:
Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is rare in the United States. Recent immigration patterns to the United States have made the diagnosis of congenital TB an important public health issue.
Purpose:
To explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and prognosis for congenital TB. The implications for exposed healthcare professionals in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting are also explored.
Methods/Search Strategy:
Relevant articles were accessed via PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar.
Findings/Results:
Until 1994, fewer than 400 cases of confirmed congenital TB had been reported in the literature worldwide. An additional 18 cases were reported from 2001 to 2005. Neonatal providers need to be aware of the potential for congenital TB infection as the immigrant population in the United States continues to increase, many of whom originate from TB endemic countries.
Implications For Practice:
The interpretation of TB-specific tests is problematic in newborns due to decreased sensitivity and specificity. Congenital TB should be ruled out in infants with signs and symptoms of sepsis or pneumonia and in whom broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy does not improve their clinical status.
Implications For Research:
The interpretation of TB-specific tests is problematic in newborns due to decreased sensitivity and specificity; more research is needed regarding best practice in diagnosis. Established protocols are needed to address the healthcare of TB-exposed providers in the NICU.
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