A woman with Clostridium tetani infection and metastatic breast cancer: A case report

Abstract

Tetanus could be a genuine and possibly dangerous neurological infection caused by the tetanus poison delivered by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Infection occurs through contaminated wounds, burns, surgical wounds, and insect bites. Related symptoms include muscle spasms, autonomic instability, and respiratory failure. Complications occur in the form of fractures, sprains, muscle tears, and death. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Risk factors for tetanus infection include the lack of routine vaccinations, wound contamination with C. tetani-contaminated soil, and improper hygiene practices during childbirth. We presented a case report of a 32-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer, who developed a rapidly growing and foul-smelling mass. Despite early diagnosis and treatment measures, the patient did not respond to treatment and died due to the severity of mixed infections. The case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and routine vaccinations to prevent complications and improve outcomes in tetanus infection.