Tetanus Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Tetanus that occurs in newborns is known as Neonatal tetanus. Tetanus can basically occur at any age, but one population that is especially susceptible to this condition is newborns.
Tetanus can be experienced by someone who is exposed to spores of the Clostridium tetani bacteria, which are generally found in soil. This condition is caused by harmful substances called neurotoxins, which are produced by bacteria growing on dead tissue. For example in dirty wounds or in non-sterile after-birth centers.
Neonatal tetanus itself is a type of tetanus in newborns that does not have protection in the form of passive immunity. This is usually the result of the mother having no immunity to the bacteria that causes tetanus.
Some babies who experience neonatal tetanus can experience death. This condition is especially more common in rural areas, where most deliveries take place at home without adequate sterilization.
Tetanus Symptom
The incubation period for tetanus neonatorum, namely the time period from the first exposure to the bacteria until the first signs and symptoms appear, in neonatal tetanus is generally 3 to 21 days.
Signs and symptoms that can occur in neonatal tetanus are spasms in the body, difficulty breathing or a faster-than-normal respiratory rate, respiratory distress, blueness of the skin, fever, signs of infection such as pus in the umbilical cord, and so on.
Tetanus Reason
Tetanus neonatorum generally occurs due to injuries to the skin which are then contaminated by the Clostridium tetani bacterium, which is often found in soil. The bacteria produce harmful substances known as neurotoxins, which affect the normal activity of the body’s nerves and cause muscle spasms.
Several factors associated with the occurrence of tetanus neonatorum are poor umbilical cord care, unhygienic cord cutting, mothers who do not get immunizations, unhygienic circumcision, unhygienic ear piercing, unhygienic childbirth, and so on. Spores from the bacteria can come into contact with body tissues, multiply, and produce toxins which then cause disease.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of neonatal tetanus is generally determined based on detailed medical interviews and direct physical examination.
During the medical interview, the doctor may ask about any symptoms observed in the baby and the mother’s history of previous immunizations. Meanwhile, on a physical examination, the doctor will evaluate for signs and symptoms of neonatal tetanus.
Tetanus Treatment
Handling of neonatal tetanus begins with identifying the portal of entry of bacteria into the baby’s body and cleaning the area where there is a wound. After that, treatment can be given to help eliminate toxins in the body with antitoxin and antibiotic treatment.
If there are spasms, the doctor can also instruct the administration of sedation or antispasm drugs to relieve symptoms.
Prevention
Transmission of tetanus neonatorum during labor can be prevented by increasing immunization coverage, especially for pregnant women. In addition, it is necessary to increase knowledge about the importance of clean delivery and good care of the umbilical cord.
Vaccination with tetanus toxoid (TT) can also help protect pregnant women from maternal tetanus during pregnancy and childbirth.