[Tetanus after intramuscular injection in an infectious disease service in Dakar. 12-year review (1978-1989)]

Dakar Med. 1990;35(2):198-204.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Tetanus is a serious toxic-infection common to men and animals produced by a strict anaerobic bacillus: Clostridium Tetani or Nicolaier's Bacillus. It is an infectious, non-contagious, non-immunizing illness, which must be officially notified. Although Tetanus has been known from antiquity and a very efficient specific vaccine is available, in developing countries its frequency and high mortality make it a major problem for Public Health authorities. This dramatic situation in underdeveloped countries is due to: inadequate vaccination and health education; poor infrastructure in health services; the persistence of harmful traditional practices; and disregard for elementary principles of antiseptics and sterilization, leading to the terrible form of tetanus after-muscular injection, a real "tragedy" according to Bourgeade. The aim of this study is to draw attention to the frequency, seriousness and hopeless prognostic of this type of tetanus, all of which could be avoided if simple, elementary, prophylactic measures, such as rigorous disinfection and adequate sterilization of equipment, were undertaken.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Equipment Contamination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Injections, Intramuscular / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Senegal / epidemiology
  • Tetanus / epidemiology
  • Tetanus / etiology*
  • Tetanus / mortality