Diagnosis Of Tetanus Research Articles

Clinical findings and outcome in feline tetanus: a multicentric retrospective study of 27 cases and review of the literature.

Tetanus is a toxigenic illness caused by the action of Clostridium tetani neurotoxin (TeNT), which results in partial or generalized muscle stiffness in infected mammals and birds. The disease is rarely reported in cats due to their innate resistance to the toxin. This multicentric retrospective study aimed to describe a significant population of cats with a diagnosis of tetanus and report their signalment, clinical and neurological signs, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcome. A retrospective search through medical records from 11 referral centers in Europe resulted in the identification of 27 cases of feline tetanus from July 2005 to April 2023. These cases were further compared with previously reported cases in the veterinary literature. Young cats were more commonly represented than older cats, with a median age of 4 years. Clinical signs were initially characterized by a lame and/or stiff limb, near the primary injury site, in 17/26 (65%) cats. Signs were focal or multifocal in 21/27 (78%) cats of this study and one typical sign was the inability to flex the most severely affected limbs. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed characteristic changes, such as continuous spontaneous motor unit discharges in both agonist and antagonist muscles. Such studies are particularly useful in focal and multifocal cases and should be performed to further support the diagnosis. The toxin was successfully identified in one case using the mouse bioassay. Treatment included antibiotherapy (metronidazole) in most cases, muscle relaxants, appropriate nursing cares and handling of potential complications. Overall, the outcome appeared to be positive, with only 1/27 (3.7%) cats being euthanized due to financial restrains. 23/25 (92%) cats returned to an independent ambulatory capacity on all limbs within a median delay of 25 days. Mild to moderate long-term sequelae were reported in eight (30%) cats. This multicentric study is the first to bring together such a large number of cats affected with tetanus. Presentation of the disease in cats differs from that observed in humans and dogs, with most cats being locally affected. Compared to previous reports of tetanus, this series of cats had a better outcome overall, especially for cats affected with generalized tetanus.

A case of tetanus in a previously immunized person

Tetanus is an acute infectious disease of humans and animals caused by anaerobic wound bacteria. The nervous system structural damage caused by toxin of the pathogen leads to tonic tension of the skeletal muscles and periodic generalized convulsions. If proper medical care is not provided in time, tetanus ends fatally. The incidence of tetanus is relatively low due to the widespread vaccination, but this infection can also occur in previously immunized individuals. The infection is widespread mainly in countries with a low economic level and weak health system. The tetanus poses a risk for all population segments, but the newborns and pregnant women are most vulnerable. Accor­ding to the Center for Public Health, 14 cases of tetanus were registered in Ukraine in 2022. The clinical picture of tetanus, as defined by the World Health Organization, includes painful muscle contractions, risus sardonicus (persistent spasm of facial muscles) and trismus (inability to open the mouth). Such patients have a history of trauma or damage to soft tissues, skin or mucous membranes. However, tetanus is a disease with multiple lesions, because in addition to the nervous system, the cardiovascular, respiratory and other systems are involved in the process. In the treatment, it is important to promptly introduce specific human tetanus immunoglobulin, perform debridement, antibiotic therapy and situational therapy. However, it should be borne in mind that the most effective and important direction is tetanus vaccination. The article presents a clinical case of tetanus in an 18-year-old pre-immunized patient who was admitted to a district hospital as a result of an injury. The purpose of publishing this case is to remind physicians to be alert for tetanus. In addition, the authors wanted to emphasize the risk of developing the disease even in previously vaccinated patients. The presence of prior vaccination and a high level of antitoxic antibodies cannot rule out a diagnosis of tetanus.

Understanding the Trajectory to a Diagnosis of Tetanus: A Descriptive Study.

Background and objective Tetanus is a rarebut potentially fatal disease in developed countries, including Japan. It is very difficult to diagnose this condition early because of its broadsymptomatology and the lack of familiarity with tetanus among both physicians and patients. In this study, we aimed to describe the clinical manifestations of tetanus and to examine as to whichdepartments/branches of medicine patientsconsult in order to provide helpful information for diagnosing this challenging condition. Materials and methods Thiswas a descriptive, retrospective study conducted at a single tertiary hospital from January 2011 to December 2021. Patients with generalized tetanus, cephalic tetanus, and local tetanus presenting to our emergency department were included in the study. We examined the clinical manifestations and departments thatpatients with tetanus visited first. Additionally, the initial diagnosis and diagnostic evaluation before the diagnosis were examined. Results Of the total 10 patientsincluded in the study, nine had generalized tetanus and one had cephalic tetanus; the common initial manifestations were neck stiffness (30%), dysarthria (20%), and trismus (20%). Of note, 80% of patients also complained of dysphagia before the diagnosis. Patients first visited various departments, including a dental clinic (30%) and the department of otorhinolaryngology (20%). Only two patients were accurately diagnosed with tetanus at the firstdepartment they visited. Physicians performed head imaging for all the patients. Conclusions Based on our findings, in Japan, patients with tetanus present with symptoms that physicians interpret or suspect to be associated with disorders of the central nervous system. Meanwhile, patients themselves tend to considerthe symptoms as indicative of oral or dental issues. Further prospective studies involving a larger number of participants are needed to investigate the clinical course of tetanus until the establishment of a diagnosis.

Tétano em um canino: aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos

Abstract Tetanus is a serious and rare disease in small animals, of an acute nature and mediated by the action of the neurotoxin tetanospasmin, from the bacillus Clostridium tetani. This report describes a case of tetanus in a canine, with emphasis on its clinical and therapeutic aspects, in addition to its clinical recovery. A canine, female, Pitbull breed, five months old, in status epilepticus, was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Passo Fundo. After stabilizing the patient, the animal was found in a trestle position, with generalized spastic paralysis, risus sardonicus, trismus, erect tail and ears, and difficulty in expanding the thorax. The presumptive diagnosis of tetanus was established based on the anamnesis, clinical signs, and laboratory findings. The established supportive treatment included hydro electrolytic replacement, antitetanus serum, antibiotic therapy, analgesia, myorelaxant and anticonvulsant drugs. The patient's intensive management was carried out with urethral and gastroesophageal probing, changes of position every two hours, and reduction of environmental stimuli. Physiotherapy and acupuncture were also used to complement the treatment and accelerate recovery. The patient was discharged one month after the beginning of the treatment, presenting satisfactory evolution. In the present case, the clinical examination in association with the characteristic clinical signs of the disease, added to the detailed anamnesis, was essential for the presumptive diagnosis of tetanus. In addition, intensive management, drug treatment, physiotherapy, and acupuncture enabled the evolution of the clinical condition to cure.

Survival in canine tetanus - retrospective analysis of 42 cases (2006-2020).

To define factors associated with survival in dogs with tetanus and to evaluate the prognostic significance of an established severity classification scheme. Medical records of dogs with the clinical diagnosis of tetanus were retrospectively reviewed with regard to signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathological findings on admission, wound characteristics, complications, therapeutic measures, and survival to discharge. Based on the extracted data, dogs were graded according to a previously published 4-class severity scheme. Non-parametric tests were applied for comparisons between survival categories. Forty-two dogs fulfilled inclusion criteria, of which 32 survived. Of 10 non-survivors, 4 died and 6 were euthanised. Non-survivors were more often younger than 2 years of age (6/10 vs. 7/32 dogs, p = 0.023), had shorter duration of specific signs of tetanus (time from onset of typical signs to presentation) (2 vs. 4 days, p = 0.016), were prescribed less often antibiotics prior to presentation (p = 0.006), had higher tetanus severity grade (10/12 dogs in Class III or IV died, p < 0.001), more often received acepromazine (p = 0.009) and atropine (p = 0.012), and more often had hyperthermia (p = 0.005) and respiratory complications (pneumonia, laryngeal spasm; p = 0.008). Wound characteristics, the use of tube feeding, metronidazole, methocarbamol, magnesium and antitoxin were not significantly different between non-survivors and survivors. Young dogs with a rapid course of severe generalized tetanus have a guarded prognosis. The previously described severity classification scheme proved valuable in predicting survival. Prospective multi-center studies are needed to clarify the prognostic significance of age, sedative usage and modified versions of an established classification scheme, including the presence of respiratory complications.

Morbidity and mortality of tetanus at Kenyatta National Hospital: a ten-year case audit

Introduction: Tetanus is a major health problem in developing countries, and is associated with high a morbidity and mortality. There are no recent local data in Kenya on the impact of the disease in terms of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to describe the type, severity, risk factors, immunization history and outcome of tetanus patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).&#x0D; Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study of patients with a clinical diagnosis of tetanus admitted to KNH over ten years, who were aged 13 years and above. All available files with tetanus diagnosis were selected, and the patients’ data were retrieved and analysed using SPSS Software version 21.0.&#x0D; Results: Out of 53 patients with tetanus, 50 (94.3%) were males and 3 (5.7%) were females. The mean age at presentation was 33.2 years (SD= 15.6). Only 4 (7.5%) patients had prior tetanus immunization. The commonest risk factor was acute injury - seen in 37 (69.8%) patients. The common site of injury was the lower limb - seen in 26 (49.1%) patients. The incubation period ranged from 3 to 90 days (IQR 7-17). Generalized tetanus was the commonest form found in 50 (94.3%) patients. Only 16 (30.2%) patients were managed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The overall mortality was 49.1%.&#x0D; Conclusion: Tetanus mortality is still high as reported in many other studies. Most patients were males without prior immunization history. Only few patients were managed in Intensive Care Unit. We recommend advocacy on tetanus immunization and booster dosing.

Tetanus: an unusual case associated with Tongue laceration

A case of tetanus is described in a 43 years old Male, The initial presentation was Trismus and dysphagia following a tongue laceration by grossly carious tooth .Subsequently he developed muscular spasm which led to the diagnosis of tetanus. This paper discusses the general management of tetanus

Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in Patient with Tetanus Followed by Myasthenia Gravis as Its Complication

Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) provides direct visualization of the pharynx and larynx immediately before and after a swallow in a patient with dysphagia. Dysphagia is the difficulty in swallowing solid or liquid food. It is a symptom of an underlying disease like tetanus and myasthenia gravis. This case report showed the important role of FEES in patients with dysphagia due to tetanus followed by myasthenia gravis as its complication. A 58-year-old man had complaints of severe difficulty in swallowing followed by complaints of fever and whole body seizures, which supported the diagnosis of tetanus. In the course of the disease, symptoms and the results of supporting examinations indicated the presence of myasthenia gravis. Comprehensive management had done with colleagues in internal medicine, neurology and medical rehabilitation. That condition improved and the complaints disappeared after one month. It can be concluded that FEES played an important role in diagnosing dysphagia. It could identify the modification of food consistencies and therapeutic maneuvers to prevent an aspiration for a patient with dysphagia as the early symptom of tetanus which caused neurotransmitter damage that broke muscle nerve junctions. It is also one of the predisposing factors for autoimmune conditions in myasthenia gravis. Correct diagnosis and comprehensive management give a better improvement for the disease.

Direct Medical Costs of Tetanus, Dengue, and Sepsis Patients in an Intensive Care Unit in Vietnam.

BackgroundCritically ill patients often require complex clinical care by highly trained staff within a specialized intensive care unit (ICU) with advanced equipment. There are currently limited data on the costs of critical care in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to investigate the direct-medical costs of key infectious disease (tetanus, sepsis, and dengue) patients admitted to ICU in a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, and explores how the costs and cost drivers can vary between the different diseases.MethodsWe calculated the direct medical costs for patients requiring critical care for tetanus, dengue and sepsis. Costing data (stratified into different cost categories) were extracted from the bills of patients hospitalized to the adult ICU with a dengue, sepsis and tetanus diagnosis that were enrolled in three studies conducted at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in HCMC from January 2017 to December 2019. The costs were considered from the health sector perspective. The total sample size in this study was 342 patients.ResultsICU care was associated with significant direct medical costs. For patients that did not require mechanical ventilation, the median total ICU cost per patient varied between US$64.40 and US$675 for the different diseases. The costs were higher for patients that required mechanical ventilation, with the median total ICU cost per patient for the different diseases varying between US$2,590 and US$4,250. The main cost drivers varied according to disease and associated severity.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the notable cost of ICU care in Vietnam and in similar LMIC settings. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the costs and economic burden incurred by ICU patients. The data also highlight the importance of evaluating novel critical care interventions that could reduce the costs of ICU care.

Generalized Tetanus in a Case of an Immunized Patient

<h3>Purpose</h3> Tetanus is an infectious disease rarely occurring in developed countries, but its severity, and the possibility of developing multiple complications, some life-threatening, made its recognition and treatment to be a medical emergency. <h3>Methods & Materials</h3> The case report was based on the medical information from the database of County Emergency Clinical Hospital Oradea's (CECHO), Bihor region, Romania. <h3>Results</h3> The authors present the case of a 31-year-old female, with obesity, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, intramuscular injections performed by unauthorized persons at the patient's home with 3 weeks before, and with a complete immunization antitetanic history, serum antitoxin level of 2.21 IU/mL, who presented to the emergency department of CECHO, in May 2021, for sore throat, trismus, opisthotonos induced by minimal external stimuli. C-reactive protein was slightly increased (35.9 mg/L), computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed no pathological changes. The diagnosis was based on the presence of clinical features. The patient followed specific etiological treatment. Metronidazole and Penicillin G were added as an antibiotic regimen. The patient responded slowly to the human tetanus immunoglobulin (5500 IU), in addition with one dose of tetanus toxoid adsorbed, with decreasing frequency and intensity of opisthotonos. <h3>Conclusion</h3> There are only a few reported cases of tetanus in immunized individuals in the medical literature (1). The mechanism of this is unclear. The antigenic variability, or an immune suppression, possibly mediated by leptin in the context of obesity, insulin resistance must be considered (1,2,3). The case emphasizes that the diagnosis of tetanus should not be rejected solely based on the presence of specific antibodies.

Правець: огляд сучасних рекомендацій з епідеміології, етіології, патогенезу, клініки, інтенсивної терапії у період воєн і в мирний час

У статті наведено огляд сучасних даних щодо епідеміології, етіології, патогенезу, клініки, інтенсивної терапії правця. Відзначено, що найбільше число захворювань на правець відзначається в період воєн. Однак і в мирний час правець зустрічається досить часто: щорічно в світі помирає близько 160 тисяч осіб. У розділі «Етіологія, патогенез» відображені дані, що стосуються біохімії тетанолізину і тетаноплазміну, дано визначення автономної дисфункції. Наведена класифікація тяжкості правця (ABLETT), діагностичні тести правця (Tetanus Outbreak Control Guidelines February 2014). Декларовано, що Intravenous immuneglobulin — IVIG містить правцевий антитоксин і може бути використаний, якщо протиправцевий імуноглобулін недоступний. Відображені рекомендації щодо ведення правця (Guidelines for the management of accidental tetanus in adult patient 2011). Прогноз результату захворювання відповідає динаміці Control Guideline for Public Health Units 2012.

From Dysarthria to Tetanus: Case Report and Diagnostic Considerations.

IntroductionTetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani that proliferates in wound sites. Toxin interference with neuromuscular function leads to spasms. Trismus, risus sardonicus and opisthotonus are classic features, but tetanus can begin with subtler symptoms.Case DescriptionAn 80-year-old man presented with dysarthria. His medical history included hypertension and dyslipidaemia. No other neurological compromise was apparent on admission. Cranioencephalic computed tomography suggested pontine and mesencephalic ischaemia and stroke treatment was implemented. Two days later, the patient displayed dysphagia that required nasogastric intubation. The next day, he developed an apparent tonic seizure with respiratory distress refractory to diazepam and phenytoin, which required sedation and invasive mechanical ventilation. Ultimately, he manifested trismus and generalized spasms. Once the diagnosis of tetanus was established, he was given anti-tetanus immunoglobulin, tetanus toxoid vaccine and metronidazole. Magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any brain injury. During his intensive care stay, he showed cardiovascular instability, developed nosocomial pneumonia, and required prolonged ventilator support and tracheostomy. He gradually improved during a 70-day hospital stay and regained his previous functional status.DiscussionDysarthria in an older patient with known cerebrovascular risk factors in addition to possible brainstem ischaemia contributed to an incorrect diagnosis of acute ischaemic stroke. Early manifestations of tetanus can mimic focal deficits. The limitations of brainstem computed tomography should be kept in mind.ConclusionOlder patients present a broader range of signs suggesting tetanus, including a higher frequency of bulbar symptoms, on presentation. A careful anamnesis including previous vaccination history is key for identifying high-risk patients and to widen the differential diagnosis to include tetanus.LEARNING POINTSSymptoms of tetanus include bulbar symptoms such as dysphagia and dysarthria in addition to muscle spasms.Older patients, especially if unvaccinated, are a vulnerable group in which a diagnosis of tetanus should be considered.One-slice non-contrast enhanced computed tomography of the brainstem is unreliable given the high frequency of technical artifacts.

Coxofemoral luxation as a complication of localised tetanus in a cat

Case summaryA 9-month-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat presented 2 weeks after castration with a 48 h history of acute-onset lateral recumbency and severe hindlimb rigidity. Physical examination findings included hyperthermia, tachypnoea, hindlimb rigidity and a healed orchidectomy site. Neurological examination of the head and forelimbs was normal; however, there was a spastic, non-ambulatory paraparesis of the hindlimbs, which was more severe on the left. Abnormal findings included mildly elevated serum creatine kinase levels and on electromyography there was bilateral pathological spontaneous activity of the biceps femoris muscles. A tentative diagnosis of tetanus was made based on clinical presentation. Treatment was initiated with tetanus antitoxin, diazepam, metronidazole, buprenorphine and physiotherapy of the hindlimbs. There was an improvement over the following 20 days. Twenty-five days later the cat presented with acute, painful, non-weightbearing lameness of the left hindlimb. Physical examination was suggestive of craniodorsal coxofemoral joint luxation, which was confirmed radiographically. This was treated with analgesia and rest. A marked clinical improvement was observed at the 3-month follow-up.Relevance and novel informationTo our knowledge, there have been no previously published reports of spontaneous coxofemoral joint luxation as a complication of hindlimb localised tetanus infection in cats. This report suggests that coxofemoral luxation should be considered as a possible complication in young cats with hindlimb localised tetanus.

Outcome and Associated Factors among Adult Tetanus Patients Admitted to Jimma University Medical Center: A Retrospective Study

Background: Although, tetanus is a vaccine preventable disease mortality remains high. And despite the establishment of intensive care unit in Jimma University Medical Center the overall mortality reaches up to 40%. This study will question why the outcome of patients has not improved despite the improvement in the setup of ICU and tries to come up with possible associated factors that prognosticated the outcome.&#x0D; Objective: The objective of this study will be to assess the outcome and factors associated with adult tetanus patients treated at JUMC, ICU from 1st Nov 2019 to 31st March 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at JUMC on admitted patients with the diagnosis of tetanus. The study recruited all admitted patients from 1st Nov 2019 to 31st March 2021 at medical and surgical ICU. A structured checklist will be developed and the relevant information from the patients’ card will be entered in the structured checklist. Outcome will be defined as a binary variable (death, survival) independent variables will be examined for possible association with the dependent variable. Descriptive statistics like means, frequency and tabulations will be used.&#x0D; Conclusion: Tetanus has high case fatality rate. Prevention of tetanus could have minimized the mortality. Delayed health care seeking by patients had determinant role for management outcome.

Neonatal Tetanus at Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Bangui

Background: Despite the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) elimination initiative, neonatal tetanus still persists in some parts of the world. Objectives: To determine hospital prevalence and describe epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and outcome aspects of neonatal tetanus at the Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Bangui. Methodology: It was the review of hospitalized newborns’ files in the neonatal unit at Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Bangui between January 2016 and December 2019. Newborns discharged with tetanus diagnosis, and whose files were usable were included. The variables studied were: for the newborn: age, sex, birth weight, the reason for transfer, diagnosis, cause and time of death, place and method of delivery; for the mother: age, antenatal care, tetanus vaccine status, parity and geographical provenance. Epi Info 7 software, version 7.1.3.3 was used for data analysis. The chi2 test with the significance level set at p Résultats: Forty-eight (48) out of 5796 newborns had neonatal tetanus (0.8%). They were newborns to mothers with an average age of 18.8 years of which 68.8% (n = 33) were primipara and 87.5% (n = 42) not vaccinated against tetanus. Childbirth happened at home in 91.7% (n = 44), and the blade was used for sectioning the umbilical cord in 39.6% (n = 19). Newborns were referred from rural area in 47.9% (n = 23). A single antenatal care contact was done in 68.7% (n = 33). Tetanus was classified as severe according to the Dakar prognosis score between 4 and 6 in 89.6% of cases (n = 43). The death occurred in 58.3% (n = 28). Conclusion: The high frequency of neonatal tetanus as well as its severity requires pregnancy follow-up strengthening and childbirth monitoring in order to its elimination. But primary prevention relies on improving individual and general hygiene conditions.

Tetanus in a male mix breed horse from Jataí Municipality, Goiás: Case report

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the toxin of Clostridium tetani, a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that affect domestic animals and humans. On February 17, 2019, veterinary medical care was requested at a property located in the city of Jataí, Goiás to attend the case of an undefined breed male horse of approximately 15 years of age, chestnut hair, weighing 400 kg. During the consultation, the main complaint was lameness and prolapse of third eyelid. At the clinical examination, the animal showed spasticity, rigid walking, distant hind limbs, third eyelid prolapse, hyperesthesia, extended neck, tail away from the body, mild dyspnea, intense sweating, distended nostrils and erect and immobile ears. Based on the physical examination of the animal, as well as the clinical signs presented, the final diagnosis of tetanus was established and therefore, the treatment was immediately instituted with intravenous anti-tetanus serum and antibiotic therapy. Hence, this paper aims to report a case of tetanus in equine, elucidating the main clinical signs and implemented treatment.

Case Series of Tetanus Diagnosis and Management in Hargeisa City

Case Series of Tetanus Diagnosis and Management in Hargeisa City

Tetanus in animals.

Tetanus is a neurologic disease of humans and animals characterized by spastic paralysis. Tetanus is caused by tetanus toxin (TeNT) produced by Clostridium tetani, an environmental soilborne, gram-positive, sporulating bacterium. The disease most often results from wound contamination by soil containing C. tetani spores. Horses, sheep, and humans are highly sensitive to TeNT, whereas cattle, dogs, and cats are more resistant. The diagnosis of tetanus is mainly based on the characteristic clinical signs. Identification of C. tetani at the wound site is often difficult.

Specifications for diagnosis and treatment of non-neonatal tetanus

Tetanus consists of neonatal tetanus and non-neonatal tetanus. Non-neonatal tetanus remains a serious public health problem, although neonatal tetanus has been eliminated in China since 2012. Non-neonatal tetanus is a potential fatal disease. In the absence of medical intervention, the mortality rate of severe cases is almost 100%. Even with vigorous treatment, the mortality rate is still 30%-50% globally. These specifications aim to regulate non-neonatal tetanus diagnosis and treatment in China, in order to improve medical quality and safety. These specifications introduce the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and laboratory tests, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, grading and treatment of non-neonatal tetanus.

Specifications for diagnosis and treatment of non-neonatal tetanus

Tetanus consists of neonatal tetanus and non-neonatal tetanus. Non-neonatal tetanus remains a serious public health problem, although neonatal tetanus has been eliminated in China since 2012. Non-neonatal tetanus is a potential fatal disease. In the absence of medical intervention, the mortality rate of severe cases is almost 100%. Even with vigorous treatment, the mortality rate remains 30%-50% globally. These specifications aim to regulate non-neonatal tetanus diagnosis and treatment in China, in order to improve medical quality and safety. These specifications introduce the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and laboratory tests, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, grading and treatment of non-neonatal tetanus. Key words: Tetanus, non-neonatal; Benchmarking; Diagnosis; Treatment