Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Non-neonatal Tetanus Patients in Guangxi,China:An 11-year Retrospective Study(2011–2021)

Tetanus is the only non-communicable disease among vaccine-preventable infectious diseases.It is caused by an infection with Clostridium tetanus bacterium and is characterized by continuous tonic contraction and paroxysmal spasms of skeletal muscles throughout the body[1].

Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes of Tetanus Cases in a Referral Center in Senegal, between 2010 and 2017

Tetanus is an infection caused by Clostridium tetani. The disease has been described from the earliest medical literature. Despite this old knowledge, the existence of a vaccine, and the progress made in pathophysiology and treatment, tetanus remains a real public health problem, particularly in developing countries. Tetanus in children and adults is still a frequent cause of hospitalization in the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department (SMIT) of the Fann National University Hospital (CHNU). We conducted this study with the main objective of carrying out a situational analysis of tetanus at SMIT from 2010 to 2017. We recorded 706 cases of tetanus in a total of 8123 hospitalized patients. The median age of the patients was 23 years [1 - 90 years]. The sex ratio (M/F) was 4/1. More than half (58.78%) came from suburban areas. The population was most frequently made up of students (24%) or manual workers (22.1%). At least one comorbidity was present in 107 patients (15.15%). The absence of a vaccination record was found in 99.56%. The main portal of entry was integumentary (83.3%), post-circumcision (5.7%) and otogenous (4%). Tetanus was generalized in 93.9% of cases. The main signs of tetanus found were trismus and dysphagia. Patients were most frequently classified as stage II (78.7%). Antibiotic therapy was based on metronidazole (51.41%). Anti-tetanus serotherapy was carried out by sub-occipital administration in 97.6%. Tracheostomy was performed in 48 patients. Complications occurred in 226 patients (32.01%). The main complications were respiratory (53.98%), infectious (45.13%) and cardiovascular (41.59%). The average delay in hospitalization was 3.6 ± 3.4 days. The mean length of hospital stay was 11.9 ± 8.2 days. The hospital case-lethality rate was 18.98%. Despite the decline in cases over the years in our country, tetanus remains a public health problem because of its prevalence, severity, and lethality.

Intraoperative Diagnosis and Use of Glidescope^t^mVideo Laryngoscope for Cephalic Tetanus

This case report describes the clinical characteristics and management of a 38-year-old man with cephalic tetanus. He presented with a massive facial infection after a dental procedure. After induction of anesthesia, cephalic tetanus was clinically diagnosed during induction based on the presence of a new facial nerve palsy and nuchal rigidity even after the administration of succinylcholine. The first attempt at intubation was unsuccessful with a Macintosh laryngoscope due to persistent nuchal rigidity and lockjaw despite the use of succinylcholine. Consistent with other reports, intubation was remarkably uncomplicated when the video laryngoscope was used. Postoperatively, the Clostridium tetani infection progressed to generalized tetanus and responded to supportive care. This case highlights the difficulties of diagnosis, and supports the utility of the Glidescopetm video laryngoscope in this unusual pathological condition.

Safety Evaluation of a Potent Tetanus Vaccine (250 Lf) in Guinea Pigs (Cavia procellus)

A subacute toxicity study of a potent tetanus toxoid (250 Lf) was carried out in guinea pigs.The toxoid was injected subcutaneously at the nape of the neck at dose levels of 1.0, 1.5.and 2.0 ml in Groups Ⅱ. Ⅲ. and Ⅳ, respectively.In the controls (Group Ⅰ) 2.0 ml of aluminum phosphate suspension was given in each injection.Periodic evaluations of body weight, food/water intake, general observable behavior, hematology.and blood chemistry in toxoid-injected guinea pigs were similar to those in control guinea pigs.Thus, the toxoid did not cause any side effects up to four times the dose proposed for humans.1990 Academic Press, Inc.

Teratogenicity Studies of a New Potent Tetanus Vaccine in Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Glaxo Laboratories, Bombay, have prepared a potent tetanus vaccine of 250 Lf as a substitute of the previous 5 Lf tetanus vaccine. The safety evaluation of the vaccine has been reported, but the teratogenic potential was not studied. In the experiment reported herein we have studied the teratogenic action of the vaccine in the progeny of rabbits. No congenital anomalies were observed.

Maternal Tetanus at the University College Hospital in Ibadan Nigeria: A 15-Year Retrospective Analysis

Objective To determine the characteristics of women with maternal tetanus, pattern of presentation and outcome of management. Methods A total of 19 women were managed with maternal tetanus between 1990 and 2005 from the University College Hospital in Ibadan Nigeria. A retrospective study was performed. The medical records of all women managed as a case of maternal tetanus were retrieved from the central record department of the hospital. The pattern of presentation, characteristics of women, the duration of hospital admission, tetanus toxoid immunization, and outcome of care were measured. Results The records of 18 women managed were analyzed. The mean age at presentation was 25.2 ±5.3 years. The patients were mostly single, nulliparous and had primary school education. The maternal tetanus cases seen mainly complicated induced abortion while 5 and 2 other cases were due to childbirth complication and leg wound respectively. The portal of entry of the remaining 3 cases could not be ascertained. None of the patient managed had complete immunization schedule. The average duration of admission was 11.2 ± 6. 7 d. Five women had intensive care with 3 of them requiring ventilatory support. The case fatality rate was 66. 7%. The only factor that significantly improved survival was presence of generalized spasm at presentation （P=0.006） Conclusion The occurrence of maternal tetanus is a reflection of low quality of health care delivery and lack or inefficient routine immunization coverage in any community.

Tetanus of the Child after Extraction of <i>Tunga penetrans</i>in Brazzaville: One Case

Tetanus has become rare even exceptional in the West. On the contrary, it is common in developing countries such as Congo because of low immunization coverage. Its diagnosis, which is essentially clinical, is easy but necessitates a fine semeiological analysis under certain circumstances. We are reporting here a case of tetanus involving an 8-year-old unvaccinated, indigenous aboriginal boy that was caused by the extraction of a Tunga penetrans. The symptomatology of abdominal contractures led to an exploratory laparotomy. The evolution was favorable.

Diphtheria and Tetanus Antibody Persistence in Indian Pre-school Children and Response to a Booster Dose of DT Vaccine.

Despite effective vaccines, diphtheria (D) resurged recently in the former socialistic block, and tetanus (T) still occurs in less privileged countries. We studied the antibody persistence for D and T in Indian pre-school children who had received four doses of DTP vaccine and subsequently, the response to a booster dose. Anti-D and anti-T IgG antibodies prior to and one month after a DT vaccine were measured by ELISA in 223 healthy children of 4-6 years who had previously received four doses of the triple vaccine. Adverse reactions were monitored for one month. While 30% and 14% of subjects were susceptible to D and T, respectively, 98% and 100% of them attained seroprotection post-vaccination. Both responses were significant. Local, but not systemic reactions except fever were rather common. A high proportion of the Indian pre-school population is susceptible to D and T, despite of receiving four doses. The current policy of giving the fifth dose at this age is appropriate.

Influence of Age on the Clinical and Prognostic Features of Tetanus in Mali

Background: The regression of post-vaccination immunity with age exposes elderly subjects to certain infectious diseases, in particular tetanus. The aim was to compare the clinical and prognostic features of tetanus according to the age of patients. Methodology: Analytical study of the files of patients hospitalized for tetanus in the Infectious Diseases Department at Point “G” University Teaching Hospital from 2013 to 2019 with retrospective collection. According to age, three groups of patients were formed: group I (<18 years), group II (18 - 59 years) and group III (≥60 years). The study variables were socio-demographic, clinical and prognostic. The One-way ANOVA and Chi-square statistical tests were applied with a significance level p = 0.05. Results: In total, 202 cases of tetanus were recorded or 7.3% of admissions. The mean age was 41.9 ± 15.6 years (range, 6 and 85 years) with a sex ratio of 19.2. According to the age grouping, group II was predominant (79.2%) followed by group III (14.9%) with respective mean ages of 39.2 ± 10.6 and 67.3 ± 6.5 and sex ratio of 39 and 29. Workers (33.3%), farmers (25.8%), traders (19.7%) and drivers (7.1%) represented the most important occupations most at risk. Clinically, bad general condition (p < 0.001), trismus (p = 0.001), dysphagia (p = 0.009) and complications during hospitalization (p = 0.028) were seen more frequently in group III patients compared to younger ones. From a prognostic point of view, patients in group III were at greater risk to develop a severe form of tetanus (p = 0.021) with higher mortality compared to other age groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Tetanus is more prevalent in men. Complications and mortality increase with age. It is important to include booster immunization of adults in existing national programs in order to reduce disease-related morbidity and mortality in this age group.

Neonatal Tetanus at Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Bangui

Background: Despite the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) elimination initiative, neonatal tetanus still persists in some parts of the world. Objectives: To determine hospital prevalence and describe epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and outcome aspects of neonatal tetanus at the Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Bangui. Methodology: It was the review of hospitalized newborns’ files in the neonatal unit at Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Bangui between January 2016 and December 2019. Newborns discharged with tetanus diagnosis, and whose files were usable were included. The variables studied were: for the newborn: age, sex, birth weight, the reason for transfer, diagnosis, cause and time of death, place and method of delivery;for the mother: age, antenatal care, tetanus vaccine status, parity and geographical provenance. Epi Info 7 software, version 7.1.3.3 was used for data analysis. The chi2 test with the significance level set at p < 0.05 and the odds ratio were used. Résultats: Forty-eight (48) out of 5796 newborns had neonatal tetanus (0.8%). They were newborns to mothers with an average age of 18.8 years of which 68.8% (n = 33) were primipara and 87.5% (n = 42) not vaccinated against tetanus. Childbirth happened at home in 91.7% (n = 44), and the blade was used for sectioning the umbilical cord in 39.6% (n = 19). Newborns were referred from rural area in 47.9% (n = 23). A single antenatal care contact was done in 68.7% (n = 33). Tetanus was classified as severe according to the Dakar prognosis score between 4 and 6 in 89.6% of cases (n = 43). The death occurred in 58.3% (n = 28). Conclusion: The high frequency of neonatal tetanus as well as its severity requires pregnancy follow-up strengthening and childbirth monitoring in order to its elimination. But primary prevention relies on improving individual and general hygiene conditions.

Tetanus in a post operative patient—A case report

Tetanus is a preventable disease which commonly occurs with puncture or penetrating wounds, or contamination of cutaneous wounds. It may be secondary to surgical procedures such as gastrointestinal surgery on rare occasions. This article reports a fatal case of tetanus in a post operative patient in which the source of infection could not be ascertained. Active immunization of all persons against tetanus, adequate sterilization of surgical equipment and consumables as well as the operating rooms is advocated.

Epidemiological, Clinical and Outcome Aspects of Care-Related Tetanus in Dakar, Senegal

Introduction: Tetanus portals of entry are numerous. Amongst these, the carerelated portals of entry are rarely reported. The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and outcome aspects and identify the factors associated with death from care-related tetanus. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of descriptive and analytical purposes. Data were collected from the medical records of patients admitted to the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department of the National University Hospital Center (CHNU) of Fann in Dakar for care-related tetanus during the period ranging from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2016. Care-related tetanus was defined as any case of tetanus occurring after a surgical procedure, including circumcisions performed even outside a health facility. Results: In eight years, 50 cases of care-related tetanus were recorded. Care-related tetanus accounted for 6.7% of hospitalized tetanus cases. The mean age of patients was 21 ± 22 years, with a male predominance (sex ratio: 6.14). The procedure had been performed in most cases, either in a health facility in 22 patients (44%) or at home in 16 patients (32%), and occurred after circumcision. In 62% of cases the portal of entry was urological, followed by orthopedic surgery (14%) and visceral surgery (10%). The procedures performed were dominated by circumcision (31 cases), limb amputation (3 cases) and inguinal hernia repair (2 cases). Tetanus was immediately generalized on admission in all patients. Eighty-four percent (84%) of patients were admitted with Mollaret stage II. Cardiovascular (11 cases), infectious (10 cases) and respiratory (9 cases) complications were the most frequent. The hospital case fatality rate was 24%. Factors associated with death were female gender (p = 0.03), age between 15 - 60 years (p = 0.02), incubation time Conclusion: Care-related tetanus remains a concern in poor income countries, particularly in Senegal. The drop of these cases will require better immunization coverage of the population. It is also appropriate to raise the awareness of health care providers and surgeons and to promote capacity building for better prevention of cases through sero-immunization of patients at risk before the procedure and rigorous asepsis.

A rare case of type 1 leprosy reactions following tetanus infection in a borderline tuberculoid leprosy patient and a literature review

Background:Type 1 leprosy reaction,also known as“reversal reaction”,is related to cellular immune responses to Mycobacterium leprae antigens.The risk factors that trigger type 1 leprosy reactions are poorly understood.Leprosy with concurrent tetanus is rare,and there are no publicly available reports of a leprosy patient infected with tetanus that induced type 1 leprosy reactions.Case presentation:A 56-year-old Chinese Han female presented to our hospital with symptoms of erythematous plaques and pain over her left upper limb for 2 days and foreign object sensation in her throat for 3 days.The patient had a 6-year history of leprosy.Type 1 leprosy reactions were initially considered,followed by treatment with methylprednisolone.Two days later,the patient’s symptoms were aggravated,with neck muscle tension and difficulty in opening her mouth,and the erythematous plaques had spread over most of her left upper limb.After further careful examinations,we confirmed the diagnosis of tetanus with concurrent type 1 leprosy reactions.The patient was given anti-tetanus treatment for 12 days and anti-leprosy reaction treatment for 4 months;the diseases were eventually controlled.Conclusions:This report suggests that tetanus infection may be a trigger for type 1 leprosy reactions.

Efficacy of the vaccination in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with conditions that may predispose to infections, such as the lack of an appropriate innate immune response to infectious agents, malnutrition, surgery, and immunosuppressive and biological drugs. Some of these infections may be preventable by vaccination. Therefore, for this particular patient population, the benefits of implementing a well-established immunization protocol in daily clinical practice are potentially even greater than for the general population. In recent years international consensus guidelines have been published, but in spite of theses recommendations, studies have shown that a significant number of patients with IBD remain inadequately immunized. Another important issue regarding immunization in this population is that vaccine efficacy among patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies has been variable. In a healthy population, a humoral immune response to hepatitis B vaccination (HBV) is expected in > 90%, whereas a much lower rate is achieved in the IBD patients. Immunosuppressive, anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy and disease activity have been implicated in the impaired efficacy of the vaccination. The serological response to HBV should be confirmed and patients with an inadequate response should receive a second full series of vaccine. Modified dosing regimens, including doubling the standard antigen dose, might increase the effectiveness. Response to influenza, pneumococcal and tetanus immunization is still not clear, as there are studies that show a normal response to the vaccination while others demonstrate a lack of efficacy. We pose a series of questions on the efficacy of the different vaccinations recommended for IBD patients and attempt to answer them using scientific evidence.

Risk factors for pertussis among children hospitalized for pertussis during 2016-2017, in Guizhou Province of China: a case-control study

Aim:Pertussis is a respiratory tract infection,the vaccine for which was introduced in the Expanded Programme on Immunization(EPI)in Guizhou Province of China(hereafter referred as Guizhou)in the 1980s.This vaccine rapidly decreased incidence rates of pertussis in the province,however,despite the wide high coverage of the diphtheria,tetanus and acellular pertussis(DTaP)combined vaccine,there has been a resurgence of pertussis since 2014.Even with this recent increase in disease transmission,risk factors for pertussis infection have not been evaluated in Guizhou.We aimed to provide information on pertussis risk factors and insight on designing targeted pertussis control policies and measures through this study.Methods:A 1:2 matched retrospective case-control study was conducted between 2016 and 2017,involving infants and children younger than 6 years old and parents of the participants.The enrolled cases included clinical and laboratory confirmed pertussis cases according to the WHO-recommended pertussis definition.Controls were selected from children in the same neighborhood who were not diagnosed with pertussis prior to our investigation and did not exhibit any clinical manifestations of pertussis.Results:The household size[Matched odds ratio(OR_(m)=1.4,95%confidence interval(Cl):1.1-1.7]and household members with antecedent cough(OR_(m)=3.6,95%CI:1.8-7.2)were significantly associated with their child’s pertussis onset.The parents’occupations were significantly associated with their child’s pertussis onset(ORm=9.4,95%CI:1.6-54.8,for mother side;ORm=4.5,95%CI:1.2-16.5,for father side),when they worked in the business and/or service industry.Having family members with a history of cough was an independent risk factor for pertussis[Adjusted odds ratio(AOR)=43.6,95%CI:2.7-694.0].Besides,the parents’demographic characteristics and DTaP doses were not found to be independent factors.Conclusion:Household exposure is an important risk factor for pertussis infection in infants and young children and should therefore be considered as a major factor during formulation of pertussis control policies and measures.

成人免疫吸附精制破伤风类毒素十年效果观察

破伤风类毒素应用于人类自动免疫已有几十年的历史,总的来说其免疫效果良好,但我国还缺乏现场第一手资料加以证实。为此,我们于70年代初期开始在内蒙古集宁市进行了长达十年的破伤风类毒素(简称破类)人群免疫效果观察,现将观察结果总结如下。

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