Tetanus

doi:10.1017/9781009052733.035

Chapter 34 - Tetanus

from Section 5 - Bacterial Infections

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 June 2025

Richard Idro and

Edited by

Dorothy Yeboah-Manu ,

Michael Marks and

David Mabey: Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Martin W. Weber: Affiliation:
World Health Organization
Moffat Nyirenda: Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Dorothy Yeboah-Manu: Affiliation:
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana
Jackson Orem: Affiliation:
Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala
Laura Benjamin: Affiliation:
University College London
Michael Marks: Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Nicholas A. Feasey: Affiliation:
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

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Summary

Tetanus was first described in Egypt over 3000 years ago. The disease is caused by toxins produced by toxigenic strains of Clostridium tetani and characterized by increased muscular tone and spasms. Throughout Africa, tetanus is commonly known as ‘lockjaw’, since spasms of the masseter muscles prevent the mouth from opening. Although it occurs in two different clinical situations, in neonates (neonatal tetanus (NNT)) and in older children and adults (non-neonatal tetanus), the pathophysiology is similar.

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Type: Chapter
Information: Principles of Medicine in Africa , pp. 401 - 407

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009052733.035 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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References

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