title: Tuberculosis in healthcare workers caring for a congenitally infected infant.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the extent of nosocomial transmission of tuberculosis among infants, family members, and healthcare workers (HCWs) who were exposed to a 29-week-old premature infant with congenital tuberculosis, diagnosed at 102 days of age.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective exposure investigation using tuberculin skin test (IST conversion was conducted. Contacts underwent two skin tests 10 to 12 weeks apart. Clinical examination and chest radiographs were performed to rule out disease. Isoniazid prophylaxis was administered to exposed infants at higher risk.
  
  
  METHODS
  A neonatal intensive care unit in an urban hospital in Brussels, Belgium.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-seven infants, 139 HCWs, and 180 visitors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Newly positive TST results occurred in HCWs who had been in close contact with the infant. Six (19%) of 32 primary care nurses and physicians had TST conversions and received treatment. Among the 97 exposed infants, 85 were screened and 34 were identified as at higher risk of infection. Of these, 27 received preventive isoniazid. None of the infants and none of the 93 other infants' family members evaluated were infected.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Congenital tuberculosis in an infant poses a risk for nosocomial transmission to HCWs. Delayed diagnosis of this rare disease and close proximity are the most important factors related to transmission.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, St. Pierre University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Francoise
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mouchet
authors.forename: Valérie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Inge
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Van Herreweghe
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Vandenberg
authors.forename: Régine
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Van Hesse
authors.forename: Michèle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gérard
authors.forename: Michèle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Toppet
authors.forename: Maryse
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wanlin
authors.forename: Véronique
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Toppet
authors.forename: Georges
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Casimir
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Haumont
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Levy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003428:Cross Infection; D005195:Family Relations; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D017053:Infection Control; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014374:Tuberculin Test; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000151:congenital* / Q000635:transmission*