Okidi R, Sambo DCV and Eyul J
Tetanus is a life-threatening disease caused by the anaerobic spore-forming bacterium, Clostridium tetani, which produces a potent neurotoxin responsible for symptoms upon entering a susceptible host. Herein, we present a 5-day-old male neonate, delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery who presented with a three-day history of provoked episodes of spasms associated with refusal to breastfeed and excessive crying. He was born to an 18-year old first-time mother who did not receive tetanus toxoid containing vaccines (TTCV) during her antenatal care visits. He had active spasms and his oxygen saturation was at 98% on 1 litre of oxygen/min via nasal prongs. The umbilical cord stump had purulent discharge. He was admitted to intensive care unit, initiated on phenobarbital, metronidazole and continued oxygen therapy. He didn’t receive TTCV, tetanus immunoglobulin and eventually expired on day 7 of life. Maternal TTCV immunization, skilled birth attendance and proper umbilical stump care are key in the prevention of neonatal tetanus.
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