EC Microbiology

A 40-year-old male presented with spasms, trismus, and difficulty in swallowing, progressing to severe muscle rigidity and convulsions following a thorn prick injury on his left sole sustained 15 days earlier. The patient had no prior vaccination history, including for tetanus, and was previously in good health. Clinical examination revealed trismus, generalized muscle stiffness, and respiratory distress. Laboratory investigations were largely unremarkable, except for hypoxemia, leading to tracheostomy for respiratory support. Based on clinical findings and microbiological evidence from an abscess culture revealing Clostridium tetani with characteristic drumstick morphology, a diagnosis of tetanus was confirmed. Management included tetanus toxoid, human tetanus immunoglobulin, antibiotics, muscle relaxants, anti-epileptics, and ventilatory support. The patient recovered after two weeks and was discharged in stable condition. This case highlights the ongoing public health challenge posed by tetanus in unvaccinated adults and underscores the importance of preventive immunization and wound management to reduce the disease burden. Comprehensive diagnosis and evidence-based treatment are essential for improved outcomes in such preventable cases.

 Keywords: Clostridium tetani; Tetanus; Trismus; Tonic Spasms; Robertson Cooked Meat Broth; Thioglycolate Broth

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