Congenital tuberculosis revisited: a case report and recent review of literature

Perinatal tuberculosis, including congenital tuberculosis, is rare. It is a difficult disease to diagnose in the neonatal period. There should be high index of suspicion in a neonate with sepsis-like presentation, non-resolving pneumonia or unexplained illness. Fatality is high if there is a delay in diagnosis. Improved screening of women at risk and awareness is thus essential. This case illustrates the importance of history of maternal illnesses and evaluation including endometrial biopsy; neonatal gastric aspirates for acid-fast bacilli smears and cultures and polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis. Early institution of therapy has successful outcome. A recent review of literature of congenital tuberculosis is also presented