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VOLUME 22 , ISSUE 9 ( 2018 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

A Rare Case of Localized Tetanus

Deepak S Sharma, Mit Shah

Keywords : Localized tetanus, tetanus, tetanus immunoglobulin

Citation Information : Sharma DS, Shah M. A Rare Case of Localized Tetanus. Indian J Crit Care Med 2018; 22 (9):678-679.

DOI: 10.4103/ijccm.IJCCM_182_18

License: CC BY-ND 3.0

Published Online: 01-05-2015

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2018; The Author(s).


Abstract

Tetanus is a severe and potentially fatal infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Presentations of tetanus include generalized tetanus, neonatal tetanus, cephalic tetanus, and localized tetanus, the latter two being much rarer. We present case of a 55-year-old male farmer, presented with an injury to the left toe. A surgical wound exploration and washout with administration of human tetanus immunoglobulin and tetanus toxoid were given as treatment with antibiotic support. This case report points out the importance of the early recognition of a rare form of this fatal infectious disease, which may present with prodromal symptoms before the generalized form shows its clinical effects. Successful management includes prompt diagnosis, neutralization of circulating toxin and elimination of C. tetani infection, control of spasms, maintenance of the airway, and management of respiratory failure and autonomic dysfunction.


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