Neonatal tetanus is a terrible disease that affects newborns. It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through a wound.

The disease is characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms, and can lead to difficulty breathing and death.

What Causes Neonatal Tetanus?

Neonatal tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which lives in soil and animal feces.

The bacterium enters the body through a wound, such as from an unsterilized instrument, or through the cut of the umbilical cord when it is cut with an unsterilized object. The bacterium produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, causing the muscle stiffness and spasms that are the hallmark of the disease.

Who is at Risk for Neonatal Tetanus?

Neonatal tetanus is most common in developing countries where immunization rates are low and clean delivery practices are not widespread. Pregnant women who have not been immunized against tetanus and their newborns are at the greatest risk.

Neonatal tetanus has a very high mortality rate, with up to 90% of cases resulting in death.

What are the Symptoms of Neonatal Tetanus?

The signs and symptoms of neonatal tetanus usually appear within the first two weeks of life and often start with muscle spasms and stiffness. The muscle stiffness can affect the entire body and make breathing difficult. Other symptoms may include:.

Irritability
Difficulty feeding
Fever
Sweating
Increased heart rate
High-pitched crying

If left untreated, the disease can progress rapidly, leading to seizures and death.

How is Neonatal Tetanus Treated?

Treatment for neonatal tetanus involves supportive care, including treating the symptoms and ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration. The wound that allowed the infection to enter the body must also be cleaned and treated.

Antibiotics may be given to fight the bacteria, but they will not counteract the effects of the toxin that is already in the body. In some cases, tetanus immune globulin (TIG) may be given to neutralize the toxin. In severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary to help with breathing.

Treatment for neonatal tetanus requires specialized medical care and should be started immediately.

How Can Neonatal Tetanus be Prevented?

Neonatal tetanus can be prevented through a combination of clean delivery practices and immunization.

Pregnant women should receive immunization against tetanus prior to giving birth, and clean delivery practices should be used to prevent infection during delivery. This includes ensuring sterile instruments are used and cutting the umbilical cord with a sterile object. Breastfeeding can also help protect against neonatal tetanus by providing antibodies to the newborn.

The Role of Immunization in Preventing Neonatal Tetanus

Immunization is an essential part of preventing neonatal tetanus.

The tetanus vaccine is given as part of routine childhood immunizations in many countries around the world, but pregnant women who have not been previously immunized should also receive the vaccine. The World Health Organization recommends at least two doses of tetanus vaccine during pregnancy, with the second doses being given at least four weeks before delivery.

The vaccine provides immunity not only to the mother but also to the newborn, protecting them from the disease.

Conclusion

Neonatal tetanus is a deadly disease that affects newborns in areas where clean delivery practices and immunization rates are low.

The disease can be prevented through clean delivery practices and immunization, but if it does occur, it requires specialized medical care and treatment. Timely treatment is essential for a positive outcome, and prevention is always the best course of action.