Tetanus in Bahrain: Case Report, Epidemiology and Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To describe a rare case with generalized tetanus to reinforce the relevance of early detection and management. Case report: A 38 year old Pakistani man presented with neck stiffness to the emergency room 12 d after he had trivial nail injury to his foot for which he didn’t need to seek any medical advice. Tetanus was diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and history. The management consist of antibiotics therapy with penicillin-metronidazole, tetanus toxoid and tetanus immunoglobulin with other supportive measure in the ICU. The patient had full recovery after 6 w stay in ICU followed by intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Tetanus is a forgotten disease in the Kingdom of Bahrain and many practicing physicians have not seen a case of the disease in their career.