Neonatal tetanus: a preventable threat, about a case
English version of a poster presented in French.
Firdaousse El Khattabi1✉, F. Tahiri1, K. Danaoui1, K. Ettouini1, M. Zouine1, A. Oulmaati1
- 1 Service de pédiatrie et de réanimation néonatale, CHU Mohammed VI, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie Université Abdelmalek Essaadi, Tanger.
Received 6 October 2026 · Accepted 6 October 2026 · Published 6 October 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23197009
Article PDF · Original poster (PDF)
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Key messages
- Le tétanos néonatal est une infection grave mais évitable, fréquente dans les pays en développement.
- La prévention repose sur la vaccination maternelle, l'accouchement médicalisé et l'hygiène des soins du cordon ombilical.
- Malgré une prise en charge lourde, la mortalité reste élevée sans mesures préventives adéquates.
Abstract
Introduction
Neonatal tetanus is a severe infection caused by Clostridium tetani, with neurological tropism, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in newborns in developing countries. The most frequent cause is the use of non-sterile instruments during umbilical cord clamping or the application of traditional medicines without adequate sterilization. This observation illustrates the clinical, therapeutic, prognostic, and preventive aspects of neonatal tetanus.
Materials and methods
Clinical observation of a male newborn admitted at 21 days of life with muscle hypertonia, spasms, feeding refusal, home delivery without medical assistance, umbilical cord clamped with a non-sterile razor blade, and a mother not vaccinated against tetanus. Management included isolation, intubation, sedation, antibiotic therapy (Penicillin G, Metronidazole), and antitetanic immunoglobulins.
Results
The newborn presented with opisthotonos, generalized rigidity, trismus, dehydration, and died after 2 days of hospitalization despite intensive care.
Conclusion
Neonatal tetanus is a severe but preventable disease, mainly occurring in cases of non-medicalized delivery, lack of maternal vaccination, and traditional umbilical care. Prevention through maternal vaccination, safe delivery, and health education is the only effective strategy for its elimination.
Original poster
References
- Organisation mondiale de la Santé. Note de synthèse: position de l’OMS sur les vaccins antitétaniques: février 2017.
- Organisation Mondiale de la Santé. Normes de surveillance des maladies évitables par la vaccination 2018.
- Robinson, A. L., & Imbert, P. (2014). Tétanos néonatal. EMC-Pédiatrie, 49(2), 1-8.
- Brook I. Tetanus in infants and children: clinical presentation and management. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2022;35(1):1–12.
- Anand AC. Neonatal tetanus: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in low-resource settings. Indian Pediatr. 2019;56(4):301–306.
- WHO. Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination Initiative (MNTE) Progress Report. WHO; 2022.
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