Clostridium tetani in Maternal and Neonatal Infections (Tetanus)
Otoikhian C S O, Osakwe A A, Akporhuarho J A S, and Ogwezi R I
Novena University Ogume, Nigeria.
Abstract—Maternal and neonatal tetanus are the important causes of maternal and neonatal mortality claiming about 180,000 lives annually globally. Tetanus is caused by neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani , a gram positive, obligate anaerobic, rod-shaped, spore forming bacterium. Tetanus is characterized by muscle rigidity and p ainful muscle spasms caused by tetanus toxin blockage in neurons. Diagnosis of tetanus is done by analysis of clinical records. Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus causes are predominant in poor, remote and disenfranchised communities where unhygienic obstetric and postnatal practices prevail, and access to maternal tetanus toxoid immunization is poor. The only reliable immunity against Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus is that induced by vaccination with tetanus toxoid. Prevention relies on avoidance of unsafe delivery, unsafe abortions, and umbilical cord care practices which can predispose to tetanus infection; and promotion of maternal tetanus immunization.
Index Terms—Clostridium Neonatal Tetanus Maternal Mortality
Cite: Otoikhian C S O, Osakwe A A, Akporhuarho J A S, and Ogwezi R I, "Clostridium tetani in Maternal and Neonatal Infections (Tetanus)," International Journal of Pharma Medicine and Biological Sciences, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 51-57, July 2014.