Congenital tuberculosis. Review and diagnostic guidelines
R. L. Nemir and D. O'Hare
A review of congenital tuberculosis was prompted by the successful
treatment of this disease in a unique patient. She was followed up for 27
years, and gave birth to two normal, uninfected newborns despite
calcifications throughout her abdomen and elsewhere. Tuberculosis of the
newborn, whether acquired congenitally or postnatally, is preventable.
Recommendations for diagnosis of congenital tuberculosis are given.
Determination of the mother's tuberculin status or suitable testing should
be done early in pregnancy. Endometritis is cited as an unrecognized source
of fetal infection.
