Question
What causes neonatal tetanus?
Answer
Clostridium tetani is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, anaerobic bacterium that is widely present in nature, including soil, dust, and animal excrement. It has a highly resistant nature, capable of surviving in dark soil for decades, tolerating boiling for 60 minutes, dry heat at 150℃ for 1 hour, and 5% carbolic acid for 10 to 15 hours. To completely eliminate this bacterium, high-pressure sterilization or iodine alcohol and other disinfectants such as ethylene oxide are required. The main route of transmission for this bacterium is through improper sterilization or insufficient sterilization during umbilical cord cutting, or through failure to clean and sterilize the umbilical cord after the neonate’s birth, allowing the Clostridium tetani to enter the body through the umbilical cord.