The Disease that is Unforgettable: a Case of Rapidly Progressive Tetanus

Abstract

Tetanus is an acutely progressive central nervous system (CNS) infection characterized by severe respiratory distress and persistent tonic spasms. The bacteria toxin which is largely responsible for the clinical course of tetanus is tetanospasmin, which is effective in the central and autonomous nerve system and the neuromuscular junction. The symptoms arise with the toxin reaching the CNS generally within 10-14 days. Shortness of incubation period is a negative prognostic factor. Its prevalence in developed countries has been reduced with primary and secondary immunization programs made in each decade. However, it is still a serious public health issue in developing countries. In this paper, the aim was to present a case of fatal tetanus, who had received his last immunoprophylaxis about 25 years ago and had a rapidly progressive clinical course.