P37: Other congenital infectious and parasitic diseases

P37.0: Congenital tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is caused by certain bacteria. The bacteria are transmitted through coughing and sneezing, for example. The bacteria can remain undetected in the body for a very long time. But they can also cause severe inflammations.

If the mother has tuberculosis while pregnant or during the birth, the child’s health can be damaged. The tuberculosis bacteria can be passed on to the child via the placenta or the amniotic fluid.

The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The umbilical cord connects the child to the placenta. When the pregnancy begins, the amniotic sac containing the amniotic fluid develops in the womb. The amniotic sac surrounds the child.

If the child has contracted tuberculosis, the child can have various health problems. The child can get a fever, for example, and be more sluggish than usual. Breathing problems or lung inflammation may also occur. Moreover, their liver and spleen might be enlarged. The liver and spleen lie in the top right and left of the abdomen. The child may develop differently to other children of the same age.