[Tetanus in a hospital setting in Bamako, Mali]

The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic profile of tetanus patients managed in the infectious diseases department of the "Hopital du Point G", in Bamako, Mall.

This retrospective descriptive study was conducted from July 2001 to August 2004. The following data were collected: age, sex, infection route, clinical features, delay to hospitalization, and outcome.

A total of 54 patients hospitalized for tetanus were included. Men accounted for 68.5% of cases. Ages ranged from 15 to 66 years with a mean of 39 years. The most common professional activity was farming: 27.8%. The route of infection was determined in 87% of cases and involved cuts in 46.3% of cases located on the lower limbs in 42.6%. Generalized paroxystic tetanus with opisthotonos was the most prevalent form accounting for 18.5% of cases. Localized tetanus accounted for 12.9% of cases. Outcome was unfavorable with a death rate of 38.9%. All deaths occurred within the first week of hospitalization.

Mass vaccination of the population should be a national priority to reduce tetanus-related morbidity and mortality to levels observed in industrialized countries.