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[Tetanus can still be found in Denmark]
Mathias Amdi Hertz1, Signe Maj Sørensen
1Kløvervænget 26D, st. 1, 5000 Odense. mathias.hertz@gmail.com.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|December 24, 2014
Summary
A 78-year-old woman developed severe tetanus (lockjaw) after a minor wound. Despite intensive care, she fully recovered, highlighting the importance of timely vaccination and treatment for Clostridium tetani infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Tetanus, or lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani toxins.
- Clostridium tetani typically enters the body through contaminated wounds, leading to neuromuscular dysfunction.
Observation:
- A case study of an unvaccinated, previously healthy 78-year-old woman with tetanus is presented.
- Symptoms included hoarseness, dyspnea, trismus, and severe muscle cramps following a minor palm injury.
Findings:
- The patient received tetanus vaccination post-trauma but no immunoglobulins.
- She required 33 days of intensive care due to respiratory insufficiency and painful muscle spasms.
Implications:
- This case underscores the risk of tetanus in unvaccinated individuals, even after seemingly minor trauma.
- Prompt and appropriate medical intervention, including supportive care in intensive settings, is crucial for recovery from severe tetanus.
- Highlights the critical role of tetanus vaccination in preventing severe outcomes from Clostridium tetani exposure.
