[Tetanus: an immunopreventable disease]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Bacteriology
• Immunology

Background:

• Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, a bacterium producing a potent neurotoxin.
• The bacterium is ubiquitous in soil contaminated with excreta, making eradication difficult.
• Tetanus is preventable through immunization, but vaccination rates have declined, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Observation:

• Two severe tetanus cases in 2022 are presented: a 39-year-old male survivor and an 83-year-old female fatality.
• Case entry points included a gunshot wound and an unknown source.
• Both patients required intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Findings:

• Tetanus is a life-threatening condition with primarily clinical diagnosis.
• Early clinical recognition is crucial for effective management.
• Prompt treatment or consultation with specialized centers is emphasized.

Implications:

• The reported cases underscore the severity of tetanus and the importance of including it in differential diagnoses.
• Maintaining high immunization rates is critical for preventing this vaccine-preventable disease.
• Public health strategies should address declining vaccination trends, particularly in the context of global health events.