Congenital Tuberculosis

The number of cases of tuberculosis in women of childbearing age increased 41 percent in the United States between 1985 and 1992 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]: unpublished data). The risk of tuberculosis in pregnancy has probably also increased, leading to an increased risk of congenital tuberculosis. We describe two patients with congenital tuberculosis. We also review the 29 cases reported since 1980 and propose revised criteria for distinguishing congenital from postnatally acquired tuberculosis. Case Reports Patient 1 A 24-day-old Hispanic male infant presented with a one-day history of respiratory distress, vomiting, and poor feeding. A physical examination . . .