In a mother with active tuberculosis, treatment for infant is
## **Core Concept**
The management of infants born to mothers with active tuberculosis (TB) involves preventive therapy to reduce the risk of developing TB disease. This approach is crucial because infants are at high risk of severe forms of TB, such as TB meningitis or disseminated TB.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct approach for treating an infant born to a mother with active TB involves administering isoniazid (INH) as chemoprophylaxis. Isoniazid is effective against latent TB infection and can prevent the progression to active TB disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other guidelines recommend INH prophylaxis for infants exposed to active TB.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not specify the correct chemoprophylaxis regimen for infants.
- **Option B:** This option might suggest an alternative antibiotic or approach that is not the standard for TB prophylaxis in infants.
- **Option C:** This option could imply delaying treatment or using a different strategy that is not recommended for infants exposed to active TB.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that infants born to mothers with active TB should receive isoniazid (INH) prophylaxis and be evaluated for TB infection, regardless of whether the mother has been treated or is considered contagious. Screening for TB infection in infants typically involves a tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), and clinical evaluation for symptoms.
## **Correct Answer:** . Isoniazid prophylaxis.