Tetanus Epidemeology

Epidemiology

 

  • Worldwide occurrence
  • Most frequently in densely populated regions in hot, damp, climates, with soil rich in organic matter
  • Reservoir: soil and intestines of animals and humans
  • Transmission: contaminated wounds, tissue injury
  • Communicability: not contagious

 

Trends

 

  • 40-60 reported cases per year
  • Marked decrease in mortality from early 1900ís to late 1940ís
  • Tetanus toxoid introduced into routine childhood immunizations in late 1940ís. At this time, approximately 500-600 cases per year (0.4 cases per 100,000 population)
  • After 1940ís reported incidence rates fell steadily
  • Since mid-1970ís, 50-100 cases annually (~0.05 cases per 100,000)
  • Death-to-case ratio has been constant at approximately 30%
  • 1999, an all-time low of 33 reported cases (0.02 cases per 100,000)
  • 1982-1998, 63% of reported cases were among persons 50 yrs or older. 52% among 60 yrs and older
  • 1995-1997, persons 20-59 yrs accounted for 60% of all cases
  • Almost all reported cases are in persons who have either never been vaccinated or who completed a primary series, bu tno booster in preceeding 10 yrs

 

 

 
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This web site was developed by undergraduate students at Brown University as a project for a course in vaccine development (Bio 160). An effort has been made to present information on the prevalent opinions available at this time.  References to published articles and acknowledgements of other sources are cited in the text.  The authors of this web site are not certified medical professionals.  Biomedical research and clinical medicine are constantly evolving fields, thus it is possible that significant advances in research and treatments will come into existence following posting of this web site.