Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
07:12
Clinical Efficacy of an Innovative Multidimensional Traction Therapy in Moderate Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Published on: February 10, 2026
Tetanus in Children: Clinical Insights and Management From a Multicenter Study in Turkey
Ayşe Hitay Telefon1, Sibel Lacinel Gurlevik2, Tugce Tural Kara3
1From the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Adana, Turkey.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|August 12, 2026
Summary
Tetanus remains a significant threat to unvaccinated children, especially migrant populations. Prompt medical care and vaccination are crucial for preventing severe outcomes in pediatric tetanus cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Tetanus is a preventable disease through vaccination.
- Unvaccinated and under-immunized children remain at risk, particularly in vulnerable groups.
- Tetanus poses a persistent clinical concern globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of pediatric tetanus cases.
- To highlight the ongoing threat of tetanus in unvaccinated children.
- To inform vaccination strategies for at-risk pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective multicenter case series.
- Analysis of 5 pediatric patients diagnosed with tetanus between 2018 and 2024.
- Review of demographic data, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- All 5 patients were unvaccinated migrant boys with generalized tetanus.
- Penetrating foot injury was the most common risk factor.
- Clinical features included muscle rigidity, spasms, airway compromise, and autonomic instability; all required intensive care, with 3 needing mechanical ventilation.
- All patients received tetanus immune globulin, antibiotics, and sedation, recovering fully with supportive care and subsequent immunization.
Conclusions:
- Tetanus is a preventable but persistent threat among unvaccinated migrant children.
- Targeted vaccination strategies are essential to mitigate tetanus risk in pediatric populations.
- Maintaining a high clinical suspicion is vital for early diagnosis and management of tetanus.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Tetanus
Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disorder characterized by persistent muscle contractions and spastic paralysis. It is caused by Clostridium tetani, a motile, Gram-positive, rod-shaped, obligate anaerobe. These bacteria produce terminal endospores, giving them a distinctive “lollipop” or “tennis-racket” appearance. They thrive in anaerobic environments, such as those found in deep puncture wounds.Once introduced into the body, the spores germinate into vegetative cells. These cells...
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...