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. 2012;5(3-4):e151-7.

Elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus: a 21st-century challenge

Sharon Owusu-Darko  1 , Khady Diouf, Nawal M Nour
Affiliations

Elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus: a 21st-century challenge

Sharon Owusu-Darko et al. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2012.

Abstract

Tetanus is an acute disease manifested by motor system and autonomic nervous system instability. Maternal and neonatal tetanus occur where deliveries are performed under unsanitary circumstances and unhygienic umbilical cord practices are prevalent. Neonatal tetanus is almost always fatal in the absence of medical care. These deaths can be prevented with changes in traditional obstetrical practices and maternal immunization. This situation led to the development of the Maternal and Neonatal Elimination Initiative by the World Health Organization. Using a three-pronged approach, tetanus can be eliminated via promotion of hygienic practices during delivery, maternal and childhood immunization, and close surveillance.

Keywords: MNT initiative; Maternal and neonatal mortality; Tetanus.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Neonatal tetanus global annual reported cases and TT2plus coverage, 1980–2010. TT2plus, second and subsequent doses of tetanus toxoid. Reprinted with permission from the World Health Organization.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Clinical and pathologic progression of tetanus. BP, blood pressure; GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid; GI, gastrointestinal; VAMP, vesicle-associated membrane protein. Reprinted with permission from Thwaites and Yen.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Elimination of maternal neonatal tetanus (MNT). Reprinted with permission from the World Health Organization.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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