Tubercular Infection during: Kit mil Circumcision.—Dr. Martin W. Ware reported to the Section on Pediatrics of the New York Academy of Medicine, the case of an infant of three months, who had been born of healthy parents. The infant had been circumcised according to the ritual when one week old, and about a week later the mother had noticed that the wound was open and inflamed, and that the inguinal glands were enlarged. Two weeks later the infant was brought to the Good Samaritan Dispensary, and then there was a well-defined ulcer on the prepuce, with moderate secretion. There were supsuppurating buboes, which were incised and a considerable quantity of pus evacuated. The case was at first looked upon as one of syphilitic infection, and accordingly, after curetting the ulcer, the patient was given antisyphilitic treatment. The local condition, however, grew worse, and the diagnosis was changed to tuberculosis. A slide was exhibited under the microscope in proof of the tuberculous nature of the infection. Dr. Ware said he had collected 21 cases of infection of this kind during circumcision, 10 of them having been operated upon by one individual, who subsequently died of pulmonary tuberculosis. Of these 10 cases, 3 died of tubercular meningitis; and the diagnosis was confirmed by autopsy.—Archives of Pediatrics, December, 1807.”

Reference Data:

Occidental Medical Times, Vol. 12, by Occidental Medical Times, 1898, pages 88-9