Management of Tetanus Neonatorum in a respiratory unit

Abstract

Tetanus results from infection by clostridium tetani, which is present in the faeces of animals and man therefore also in the soil. It enters the body through a wound; in the case of a neonate, this is always the raw surface of the umbilicus. The infection of this wound occurs by contamination of cord dressings by dust or soil, but in some cases mothers apply cow dung to the umbilicus. In some cases the umbilical cord is cut with an unsterile blade or even an old broken bottle. The baby is usually born at home.