Neonatal tetanus: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Neonatal tetanus | |||
| image = [[File:Neonatal_tetanus_6374.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A newborn with neonatal tetanus | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Muscle spasms]], [[lockjaw]], [[difficulty feeding]] | |||
| complications = [[Respiratory failure]], [[pneumonia]] | |||
| onset = 3 to 14 days after birth | |||
| duration = Variable, often weeks | |||
| causes = [[Clostridium tetani]] infection | |||
| risks = [[Unhygienic delivery practices]], lack of maternal [[vaccination]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical presentation | |||
| prevention = [[Tetanus toxoid]] vaccination, clean delivery practices | |||
| treatment = [[Antibiotics]], [[tetanus immune globulin]], supportive care | |||
| prognosis = High mortality without treatment | |||
| frequency = Decreasing with vaccination efforts | |||
}} | |||
[[File:US_Navy_050515-N-1485H-001_Hospitalman_Mary_Lewis,_of_Freemont,_Mich.,_administers_a_tetanus_shot_to_a_child_and_her_mother.jpg|Hospitalman Mary Lewis administers a tetanus shot|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Year_of_Maternal_Neonatal_Tetanus_(MNT)_elimination,_OWID.svg|Year of Maternal Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) elimination|left|thumb]] | |||
'''Neonatal tetanus''' is a form of [[tetanus]] that occurs in newborns. If the [[umbilical cord]] is cut with a non-sterile instrument, tetanus spores can get into the wound and produce a toxin that spreads in the body, causing [[muscle stiffness]] and [[spasms]]. | '''Neonatal tetanus''' is a form of [[tetanus]] that occurs in newborns. If the [[umbilical cord]] is cut with a non-sterile instrument, tetanus spores can get into the wound and produce a toxin that spreads in the body, causing [[muscle stiffness]] and [[spasms]]. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Neonatal tetanus is caused by the bacterium ''[[Clostridium tetani]]'', which is found in soil and animal excrement. The bacteria enter the body through a wound, such as the one created when the umbilical cord is cut. If the instrument used to cut the cord is not sterile, it can introduce the bacteria into the baby's body. | Neonatal tetanus is caused by the bacterium ''[[Clostridium tetani]]'', which is found in soil and animal excrement. The bacteria enter the body through a wound, such as the one created when the umbilical cord is cut. If the instrument used to cut the cord is not sterile, it can introduce the bacteria into the baby's body. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of neonatal tetanus usually appear within the first two weeks of life. They include: | The symptoms of neonatal tetanus usually appear within the first two weeks of life. They include: | ||
* [[Irritability]] | * [[Irritability]] | ||
* [[Muscle stiffness]] | * [[Muscle stiffness]] | ||
* [[Spasms]] | * [[Spasms]] | ||
* Difficulty feeding due to a condition known as "lockjaw," which prevents the baby from opening his or her mouth | * Difficulty feeding due to a condition known as "lockjaw," which prevents the baby from opening his or her mouth | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Neonatal tetanus can be prevented by immunizing women of childbearing age with the [[tetanus vaccine]]. This protects the baby from tetanus for the first few months of life. In addition, the umbilical cord should be cut with a sterile instrument and the wound should be kept clean. | Neonatal tetanus can be prevented by immunizing women of childbearing age with the [[tetanus vaccine]]. This protects the baby from tetanus for the first few months of life. In addition, the umbilical cord should be cut with a sterile instrument and the wound should be kept clean. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for neonatal tetanus includes wound care, [[antibiotics]] to kill the bacteria, and [[antitoxin]] to neutralize the toxin. The baby may also need to be hospitalized and given medications to control spasms and other symptoms. | Treatment for neonatal tetanus includes wound care, [[antibiotics]] to kill the bacteria, and [[antitoxin]] to neutralize the toxin. The baby may also need to be hospitalized and given medications to control spasms and other symptoms. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Tetanus]] | * [[Tetanus]] | ||
* [[Vaccination]] | * [[Vaccination]] | ||
[[Category:Neonatology]] | [[Category:Neonatology]] | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Bacterial diseases]] | [[Category:Bacterial diseases]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:04, 9 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Neonatal tetanus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Muscle spasms, lockjaw, difficulty feeding |
| Complications | Respiratory failure, pneumonia |
| Onset | 3 to 14 days after birth |
| Duration | Variable, often weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Clostridium tetani infection |
| Risks | Unhygienic delivery practices, lack of maternal vaccination |
| Diagnosis | Clinical presentation |
| Differential diagnosis | N/A |
| Prevention | Tetanus toxoid vaccination, clean delivery practices |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, tetanus immune globulin, supportive care |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | High mortality without treatment |
| Frequency | Decreasing with vaccination efforts |
| Deaths | N/A |
_elimination,_OWID.svg)
Neonatal tetanus is a form of tetanus that occurs in newborns. If the umbilical cord is cut with a non-sterile instrument, tetanus spores can get into the wound and produce a toxin that spreads in the body, causing muscle stiffness and spasms.
Causes[edit]
Neonatal tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is found in soil and animal excrement. The bacteria enter the body through a wound, such as the one created when the umbilical cord is cut. If the instrument used to cut the cord is not sterile, it can introduce the bacteria into the baby's body.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of neonatal tetanus usually appear within the first two weeks of life. They include:
- Irritability
- Muscle stiffness
- Spasms
- Difficulty feeding due to a condition known as "lockjaw," which prevents the baby from opening his or her mouth
Prevention[edit]
Neonatal tetanus can be prevented by immunizing women of childbearing age with the tetanus vaccine. This protects the baby from tetanus for the first few months of life. In addition, the umbilical cord should be cut with a sterile instrument and the wound should be kept clean.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for neonatal tetanus includes wound care, antibiotics to kill the bacteria, and antitoxin to neutralize the toxin. The baby may also need to be hospitalized and given medications to control spasms and other symptoms.
