14th ICID - Poster Abstracts - International Society for Infectious ...

When citing these abstracts please use the following reference:
Author(s) of abstract. Title of abstract [abstract]. Int J Infect Dis 2010;14S1: Abstract number.
Please note that the official publication of the International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2010, Volume 14, Supplement 1
is available electronically on http://www.sciencedirect.com
Final Abstract Number: 77.023
Session: Gram-positives & Miscellaneous Pathogens
Date: Friday, March 12, 2010
Time: 12:30-13:30
Room: Poster & Exhibition Area/Ground Level
Type: Poster Presentation
Tetanus: Clinical and epidemiological characteristics. Review of 11 years
R. Ilardo 1 , N. E. Frassone 2
1 Hospital Rawson, Cordoba, Argentina, 2 Hospital Rawson, Córdoba, Argentina
Background: Tetanus is an infection disease, caused by the neurological toxicity of
tetanoplasmina, exotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani. Although it is a preventable disease
through vaccination, there are about 100 cases annually.
Methods: A retrospective study and analysis of patients with tetanus, made in the Rawson
Hospital in Córdoba city, during the period covered between May 1, 1998 and October 30, 2009.
Inclusion criteria: patients with age> 15 years, clinical diagnosis of tetanus.
Results: The incidence was 0.33 per 100,000; average 1.4 cases per year. Of the 12 cases
analyzed, 58.3% were men, average age 68.5 years. 50% had incomplete immunization and 50%
had no immunization records. 100% of the patients presented as generalized tetanus. Port of
entry was determinate in 75%: skin lesions predominate in the lower limbs. Incubation period of
less than 7 days and a period of invasion less than 48 hours in 66%. Symptoms more common:
trismus 100%, dysphagia 91%, generalized muscle contracture 83%, muscle spasms 58%.
Complications: Ventilator-associated pneumonia 50%, atelectasis 33%, scarring 25%. Treatment:
42% received penicillin G sodium, 42% metronidazole and 16% both antimicrobials. Mortality
75%.
Conclusion: Lower incidence. Predominantly found in elderly men. Lack of verifiable previous
vaccination. Predominates generalized tetanus and infectious complications. High mortality