[Current aspects of pediatric and adult tetanus in Dakar].
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study was undertaken to assess epidemiological and clinical aspects as well as outcome of tetanus cases in patients over 28 days of age, so as to issue recommendations.


METHODS
This study included patients admitted to the Fann teaching hospital in Dakar from 2001 to 2003. Age, sex, portal of entry, clinical signs, delay from onset to admission, stage and outcome of the tetanus were recorded.


RESULTS
410 cases of tetanus were observed. The sex-ratio was 2.41. The mean age was 20 years [range 2 months-89 years]. Sixty-two percent of the patients were between six and 30 years of age. Most of the patients were workers and craftsmen (58%) or pupils (19%). A wound was the most frequent portal of entry (73%). Tetanus was localized in four out of 406 cases. The global mortality rate was 22%; but it was higher when tetanus was stage III and in case of complications.


CONCLUSIONS
According to these results, it seems necessary to include booster doses in the Expanded Immunization Program, and to implement better prevention strategies targeting people not taken into account in this program. In addition, health care providers should check out the immunization status of their patients and accordingly offer an update or a full course of active immunization.
Seydi
M
M
Clinique des maladies infectieuses, Ibrahima-Diop-Mar, CHU de Fann, BP 15499, Dakar-Fann, Sénégal. seydi.moussa@caramail.com
Soumaré
M
M
Gbangba-ngai
E
E
Ngadeu
J F Mougué
JF
Diop
B M
BM
N'diaye
B
B
Sow
P S
PS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007117:Immunization, Secondary; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012675:Senegal / Q000453:epidemiology; D012744:Sex Ratio; D013742:Tetanus / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D013745:Tetanus Toxoid