Congenital tuberculosis. Review and diagnostic guidelines.

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.