Tetanus

Abstract

Tetanus, although preventable by a highly effective vaccine, continues to cause 30 000–50 000 deaths annually. Global mortality has fallen substantially since the 1980s due to widespread vaccination efforts, yet adult disease persists, especially among those with weakened immune response, diabetes, and people who inject drugs. Diagnosis is still clinical, and management combines wound debridement, antibiotics, and antitoxin. However, key questions about prevention, diagnosis, and management remain unanswered. Recent trials suggest human and equine antitoxin perform equally, but shortages and high costs persist. Autonomic instability, once thought a late stage complication, is now defined early in the disease course, affecting the prognosis. Due to patients being in intensive care, complications such as nosocomial infections can increase the burden of the disease, reinforcing that vaccination, surveillance, equitable access, and new therapy options are vital.