An asymptomatic term neonate is born to a mother with sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis who started anti-TB treatment 2 weeks before delivery. The placenta is normal. What is the recommended management for this neonate?

• A Start isoniazid preventive therapy and separate the infant from the mother
• B No intervention needed; the neonate is protected by maternal treatment
• C Give BCG at birth and start isoniazid preventive therapy for 6 months ✓
• D Start full four-drug anti-TB treatment empirically

Explanation

For an infant born to a mother with active TB who is on treatment, the infant should receive isoniazid preventive therapy (5 mg/kg/day) for 3 months after contact is excluded, with BCG given at birth. Separation is only needed if the mother has MDR-TB or is non-compliant. Full treatment is only indicated if the infant has confirmed congenital or active TB.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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