TETANUS NEONATORUM

• BY SHEBILLE CABASAG
 Etiologic Agent

Tetanus Bacillus (clostridium tetani)

Source of infection:

Immediate source of infection is soil, street dust,

animal and humanFeces.
 Description:

Acute disease induced by toxin of tetanus bacillus growing

anaerobically In wounds and at site of umbilicus among infants.
Characterized by muscular contructions.

Mode of Transmission:

Usually occurs through contamination of unhealed

stump of the umbilical cord.
 Incubation Period:

Varies from 3 days to 1month or more, failing between 7 and 14 days

in high proportion of cases.

Susceptibility, Resistance and Occurrence:

Susceptibility is general. An important cause of death in many countries in

Asia, Africa and South America especially in rural tropical areas.
 Resistance

Active immunity is induced by tetanus toxoid

anti-toxin.
Methods of Prevention and control
• Pregnant women should be actively
immunized in regions where tetanus
neonatorum is prevalent.
• Licensing of midwives into professional
supervision and education as to methods,
equipment and techniques of sepsis in
childbirth.
• Health education of mothers, relatives and
attendants in the practice of strict aseptic
methods of umbilical care in the newborn.
 Public Health Nursing Responsibilities

Report immediately to physician, including case history to determine

Circumstances of injury, specially competence of attendants at birth.

Nursing Care

Employ measures which decrease frequency and severity of convulsions.

Keep patient away from noise, bright lights or anything else that will irritate
him/her, administer prescribed medication by physician and observe and
report untoward effects to physician.