Tetanus. Prevention and treatment

DESPITE the willingness of physicians to provide tetanus toxoid boosters to patients with a wide variety of wounds, the disease produced by the neurotoxin liberated byClostridium tetanicontinues to be a serious health problem. An estimated 50,000 people die annually from tetanus throughout the world.1In 1975, there were 102 cases, with 45 fatalities in the United States.2 Physicians who frequently encounter patients with fresh wounds or who may be faced with a case of developing tetanus should be aware of both prophylactic immunization schedules and the treatment of patients with established tetanus. Prevention The major contribution the physician can make to reduction of morbidity and mortality from tetanus is prevention of the disease. Fortunately, it is completely preventable through adequate immunization and proper wound care. Tetanus occurs only in patients who have not had adequate primary immunization or who have not received adequate immunization boosters since