Management of Tetanus Neonatorum in a respiratory unit

Tetanus results from infection by clostridium tetani, which is present in the faeces of animals and man therefore also in the soil. It enters the body through a wound; in the case of a neonate, this is always the raw surface of the umbilicus. The infection of this wound occurs by contamination of co...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: C. Sikosana, P. Sishi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AOSIS 1979-09-01
Series:Curationis
Online Access:https://curationis.org.za/index.php/curationis/article/view/418
Description
Summary:Tetanus results from infection by clostridium tetani, which is present in the faeces of animals and man therefore also in the soil. It enters the body through a wound; in the case of a neonate, this is always the raw surface of the umbilicus. The infection of this wound occurs by contamination of cord dressings by dust or soil, but in some cases mothers apply cow dung to the umbilicus. In some cases the umbilical cord is cut with an unsterile blade or even an old broken bottle. The baby is usually born at home.
ISSN:0379-8577
2223-6279