Neonatal tuberculosis: an experience that teaches

Objective: This study reports on an experience following contact by a large number of newborn babies with a nurse infected by active tuberculosis (TB). Methods: A large number of newborn babies were checked for possible contact with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) using interferon-gamma tests (IGTs) to determine specific treatment. Results: One hundred and seven infants showed a positive IGT positive and were not affected by active TB. All were treated with anti-tubercular drugs and were followed-up for 1 year. None of the infants developed active TB and all infants showed normal tuberculin skin tests and chest-x-rays, as well as IGT results at the end of treatment. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that newborns are at low risk of infection after contact with a nurse with active TB. IGTs can be used to assess possible contact with MTB and to determine a reduced number of infants to treat.