Disease : Neonatal Tetanus

Causative Agent

ClostridiumTetani - which produces the exotoxins:

• Tetanolysin
• Tetanospasmin

Mode of Transmission

Unhygienic cutting of umbilical cord Improper handling of cord stump esp. when treated with contaminated substance

Clinical Manifestation

Assess the NEWBORN for a history of all 3 of the following:

• Normal suck and cry for the first 2 days of life
• Onset of illness between 3 and 28 days
• Inability to suck followed by stiffness of the body and convulsion

In OLDER CHILDREN, the following may be observed:

• Trismus – lockjaw
• Opisthotonus – arching of the neck and back
• Ridus Sardonicus – sardonic smile

Reservoir

• Soil
• Intestinal canal of animal
• Man

Diagnostic Exam

• Blood Culture
• CSF analysis

Treatment

• Penicillin
• Erythromycin
• Tetracycline

- administered within 4 hours of injury

Nursing Implication

Prevention

• Aseptic handling of the neonatal umbilical cord
• Tetanus Toxiod immunization for mothers
• Active immunization of DPT