Tetanus risk factors
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Michael Maddaleni, B.S.
Overview
Clostridium tetani spores can be found in various locations including manure, soil and dust. Inhabitants of developing countries are at a higher risk of acquiring tetanus because of lack of tetanus vaccination. Various risk factors for tetanus include contaminated wounds, punctured wounds, crushing, burns and working in unhygienic environment.[1]
Risk Factors
There are various risk factors that increase the chance of acquiring tetanus. These include:
- Improper immunization
- Presence of a puncture wound
- Presence of a foreign body, such as a splinter or a nail
- Presence of dead tissue
- Crushing injuries
- Burns
- Working in unhygienic environment
- Hiking in bat caves
- Sports injuries
- Road side accidents
It is also important to note that there are many different injuries that tetanus can develop from. Some of these injuries include:
- Animal bites
- Different types of dental procedures
- Wounds from surgeries
- Crush injuries
- Gunshot wounds
- Puncture wounds
- Burns
- Foot ulcers in diabetic patients
- Ear infections
- Compound fractures
- Injecting drugs
- Self tattooing