Neonatal Tetanus at the Dawn of 2023: A Case Report

Abstract

Neonatal tetanus is a toxi-infection caused by Clostridium tetani, with a neurological tropism, causing significant morbidity and mortality in newborns in developing countries. The infection almost always starts in the umbilical cord. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is two-pronged: etiological (specific immunoglobulins, antibiotic therapy, anti-tetanus vaccination and treatment of the portal of entry) and symptomatic (sedatives and muscle relaxants, curarization). Prevention is the only effective option, and relies on vaccination of mothers during pregnancy and health education of the population. We report the case of a newborn hospitalized for neonatal tetanus and treated with antibiotic therapy combined with intrathecal serotherapy, with a good evolution.