Tuberculosis in pregnancy: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease with a declining prevalence in Portugal, with more cases reported in urban centres. Most cases are diagnosed by passive screening but there are reports of increasing delay between the onset of the symptoms and diagnosis. Although this disease is rare in pregnant women, early diagnosis is important, because of the risk of vertical transmission to the fetus. Case Description: We present the case of a 32 year-old woman who began follow-up of her pregnancy with her family doctor at eight weeks gestation. Her partner was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis during the 26th week of gestation. She was referred for contact screening which was negative. Two weeks later she presented with fever and thoracic pain with a tubercular pleural effusion. She started tuberculostatic therapy. Delivery was at 39 weeks without complications. The infant received immediate chemoprophylaxis that was stopped after confirming the absence of disease. The mother was followed by a pneumologist with good clinical and laboratory resolution, and was discharged from care without active disease. Comments: This case report demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis of tuberculosis in pregnancy. The first contact with the patient may occur in primary care.