Abstract
Tetanus is a preventable disease which commonly occurs with puncture or penetrating wounds, or contamination of cutaneous wounds. It may be secondary to surgical procedures such as gastrointestinal surgery on rare occasions. This article reports a fatal case of tetanus in a post operative patient in which the source of infection could not be ascertained. Active immunization of all persons against tetanus, adequate sterilization of surgical equipment and consumables as well as the operating rooms is advocated.
Highlights
Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium
It may be secondary to surgical procedures such as gastrointestinal surgery
In most countries it is a notifiable disease caused by Clostridium tetani which produces tetanospasmin, the neurotoxin responsible for the disease symptoms [3]
Summary
Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium. This organism produces tetanospasmin which binds to the central nervous system causing diffuse muscle spasms and autonomic instability that characterizes the disease [1]. Tetanus commonly occurs with puncture or penetrating wounds, or contamination of cutaneous wounds. It may be secondary to surgical procedures such as gastrointestinal surgery. The source of infection may be difficult to determine. This article reports a fatal case of tetanus in a post operative patient
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