Application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification and next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of maternal...

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and is the leading infectious cause of death. The incidence of TB, especially active TB, is increased in pregnant and postpartum women. Newborns can be infected with TB from their mothers through several routes. Diagnosis of TB in pregnant women and infants is difficult. Here, we report the simultaneous postdelivery diagnosis of TB in a mother and infant pair.

A 28-year-old woman presented with a sudden onset of convulsions, loss of consciousness, coughing, fever, and breathing difficulty. Her 18-day-old infant daughter developed cough and wheezing.

The mother's chest computed tomography showed diffuse interstitial changes and both lungs' exudation. Enhanced cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed scattered nodular intracranial lesions. A tuberculin skin test and an interferon-gamma release assay were negative. Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) testing and acid-fast bacilli smear of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of the mother were negative. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification of BAL fluid was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and next-generation sequencing confirmed the diagnosis of TB. A biopsy specimen also showed characteristic TB findings. The mother was diagnosed with TB and TB encephalitis. The infant's BAL fluid was positive for acid-fast bacilli and Xpert and, therefore, was diagnosed with TB.

The mother was treated with rifampicin and isoniazid for 9 months, ethambutol and pyrazinamide for 3 months, and prednisolone acetate for 8 weeks. The infant received ventilator-assisted ventilation for 10 days and anti-tuberculous therapy for 11 months.

After anti-tuberculous therapy, the mother and infant both gradually recovered. The mother's chest computed tomography showed significant recovery 9 months after discharge. The infant developed normally during the 11-month follow-up.

This mother-child case pair highlights the value of loop-mediated isothermal amplification and next-generation sequencing as new diagnostic technologies for diagnosing TB in patients with multiple negative tests.