Generalised tetanus in a patient with a chronic ulcerated skin lesion

Abstract

[EN] Chronic ulcerated skin lesions and skin biopsies should be considered as wounds prone to tetanus. In developed countries, tetanus is uncommon and cases are usually diagnosed in elderly patients. Levels of tetanus antibodies are progressively lower with increasing age in groups over 50 or 60 years old. Acute injuries and chronic wounds can allow entrance of Clostridium tetani. This article has a correction. In this Lesson of the Week, the standfirst (the introductory sentence before the start of the article) should have read: "Chronic ulcerated skin lesions and lesions resulting from their biopsies should be considered as wounds prone to tetanus". Please see: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b5061