Tetanus is caused by a neurotoxin produced by the gram-positive bacterium Clostridum tetani which forms spores. Tetanus begins when spores are introduced into damaged tissue. The toxin blocks inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and causes the muscular stiffness and spasms typical of generalized tetanus. The disease may affect any age group, and case-fatality rates are hig...

To assess the interval since the last revaccination against tetanus the persistence of antibodies was determined using ELISA test in 128 subject. Levels of antibodies against tetanus higher than the protective level of 0.1 IU/ml were found not only in those revaccinated less than ten years ago, but also in those revaccinated more than ten years before. With increasing length of the interval sin...

The Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) is one of seven countries that have not eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus in more than 50% of districts. We conducted a community-based household survey to assess the achievements of strategies towards maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination in the capital province. The coverage of tetanus toxoid (TT) was 79.7% by the protection-at-birth (PAB)...

Tetanus is a neurologic disorder caused by tetanospasmin, a protein toxin elaborated by Clostridium tetani. Cephalic tetanus is a localized form of the disease causing trismus and dysfunction of cranial nerves. We report the case of a man who presented with facial trauma, complete ophthalmoplegia, exophthalmos, areactive mydriasis, and periorbital hematoma. An orbital CT revealed air bubbles in...

Vaccination effectiveness is proven when the disease does not develop after a patient is exposed to the pathogen. In the case of rare diseases, vaccination effectiveness is assessed by monitoring specific antibody levels in the population. Such recurrent analyses allow the evaluation of vaccination programs. The primary schedule of diphtheria and tetanus vaccinations is similar in various count...

Background: There is a noticeable difference in serologic immune status against tetanus among different age and social groups in various countries due to different national vaccination policies and methods. Objectives: Considering that the immunization status of trauma patients against tetanus is not-known or uncertain and they may need to receive the vaccine and tetabulin, this study was condu...

OBJECTIVE Despite the decline in the incidence of tetanus, this disease is still neglected in the developing world and remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. With improvements in intensive care, it is important to better understand the complications of this serious condition. We aim to evaluate 1) the lethality and osteomuscular and cardiovascular complications of patients with tetan...