**Question:** Management of a newborn when Mother has active Tuberculosis & is taking ATT –

A. Isolation of the newborn in a negative-pressure room
B. Close contact with the mother
C. Close contact with the mother while taking TB preventive therapy
D. Close contact with the mother without any precaution

**Correct Answer:**

**Core Concept:** Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other organs. Newborns born to mothers with active TB are at risk for acquiring the infection through direct exposure to respiratory droplets or breast milk. Management strategies aim to minimize the risk of transmission while ensuring maternal care.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**

The correct answer is A (Isolation of the newborn in a negative-pressure room). The rationale behind this is that isolating the newborn in a negative-pressure room reduces the risk of transmission of TB through respiratory droplets from the mother. A negative-pressure room has a higher air exchange rate than the surrounding areas, which helps to prevent the spread of airborne particles carrying the TB bacteria.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A) Option B (Close contact with the mother) is incorrect because it increases the risk of TB transmission to the newborn through respiratory droplets, close contact, and potential exposure to breast milk.

B) Option C (Close contact with the mother while taking TB preventive therapy) is incorrect because TB preventive therapy (like Isoniazid and Rifampicin) may cause hepatotoxicity and is not recommended for infants. Additionally, close contact increases the risk of TB transmission.

D) Option D (Close contact with the mother without any precaution) is incorrect because it does not consider the risk of TB transmission to the newborn and exposes the newborn to potential hepatotoxicity from maternal TB preventive therapy.

**Clinical Pearl:**

In cases where the mother is on TB treatment, breastfeeding remains safe for the newborn, with proper infection control measures in place. The mother should be closely monitored for any adverse reactions to TB preventive therapy.