Tetanus remains a formidable health challenge in Nigeria: The experience from a single Teaching Hospital in Osun State, Nigeria

Tetanus, though an eminently preventable disease still ranks as a leading cause of death in Nigeria as well as in other developing countries. Reported mortality for severe tetanus varies from 20-60% and depends on the availability and quality of intensive care. Farmers and artisans are mostly affected.

This retrospective study was carried out to determine the pattern of clinical presentation of tetanus, the immunization status, case fatality rate and factors influencing mortality.

Case notes of patients (age > 10 and above) managed for tetanus from 2004-2008 at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Osogbo were retrieved. Demographic, clinical data, laboratory investigation results and response to treatment were collated. The data obtained were analysed using the SPSS version 15 Statistical package.

Over the 5-year period,80 cases of tetanus were managed in the medical wards of LAUTECH Hospital Teaching Osogbo. However, the medical records of 12 of them could not be retrieved, leaving 68(85%) for analysis. This comprised of 45 males and 23 females. Tetanus was highest in the third decade of life. The commonest portal of entry was the lower limb (n = 43). Only one subject was fully vaccinated and received booster dose of vaccine. Thirty-one (31)out of the 68 patients died giving a case fatality rate of 51.5%.

The mortality of tetanus is still very high from this retrospective study. The rate of immunization against tetanus was dismally low. Active immunization should be given to all Nigerians particularly those in the vulnerable group.