Question
On the seventh day after birth, a newborn is experiencing difficulties in breastfeeding, restlessness, and clenched jaws, which are suspected symptoms of tetanus. What bacteria cause neonatal tetanus?
Answer
Neonatal tetanus, also known as “Four-Six Wind,” “Navel Wind,” or “Seventh-Day Wind,” is an acute and severe infectious disease characterized by the invasion of the umbilical cord by Clostridium tetani (the tetanus bacteria), which produces toxins leading to locked jaw and muscle stiffness and spasms. This disease usually occurs at the time of umbilical cord ligation, and if the hands, scissors, or cloth used by the midwife are not disinfected or not properly disinfected, or if the umbilical cord of the newborn is not cleaned and disinfected appropriately after birth, it may lead to the invasion of Clostridium tetani.