Perinatal tuberculosis associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis [HLH] is a reactive disorder characterized by generalised non-malignant histiocytic proliferation with prominent hemophagocytosis. It may be either primary [familial (FLH)] or secondary [infection or malignancy associated]. Organisms incriminated for infection associated hemophagocytic syndrome (IAHS) include viruses, bacteria, spirochetes, fungi and parasites. Reports of IAHS associated with tuberculosis in neonates are rare. The authors report a case of perinatal tuberculosis presenting as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.