why choose us

300×250 Ad Slot

Research Article: Analysis of 92 hospitalized cases of non-neonatal tetanus in Guizhou Province, China

Date Published: 2026-09-30

Abstract:
Tetanus has a high mortality rate and remains a major public health threat in low- and middle-income countries. Although neonatal tetanus has been eliminated in China, the burden of non-neonatal tetanus is still heavy. This study analyzed the case characteristics, outcomes, and hospitalization expenses of non-neonatal tetanus inpatients in Guizhou Province, China, and provided a basis for reducing the disease burden. One tertiary medical institution was randomly selected from each of the nine cities (states) in the province, and the data of non-neonatal tetanus hospitalized cases from 2021 to 2025 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods, the simple seasonal index method, and multiple linear regression were used in the analysis. A total of 92 cases were included. Males accounted for 65.22% (60/92); farmers accounted for 86.96% (80/92); the median age was 60 (55–69) years; the incubation period ranged from 1 to 27?days; and cases peaked in summer. 95.65% (88/92) were not vaccinated with tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine (TTCV), and only 21.74% (20/92) received standardized treatment within 24?h after injury. The case fatality rate was 15.22% (14/92). None of the non-survivors were inoculated with TTCV, no standardized treatment was performed within 24?h after injury, the severity was severe or above, and the family members gave up treatment on their own. The median hospitalization cost was 55,724 yuan (equivalent to 8,359 US Dollars); the highest was 239,365 yuan (equivalent to 35,905 US Dollars); and the number of hospitalization days was the main influencing factor ( t =?5.751, p <?0.001). Non-neonatal tetanus in Guizhou Province was mainly in middle-aged and older male farmers, with a high incidence in summer, and most of them were not vaccinated with TTCV. The non-survivors were not vaccinated with TTCV and did not receive standard treatment within 24?h after injury. The disease had a high case fatality rate and was a serious economic burden. It is recommended to strengthen TTCV vaccination and standardized post-exposure disposal in high-risk groups, enhance medical financial support to prevent abandonment of treatment for economic reasons, and ensure that patients receive timely and comprehensive clinical care.

Introduction:
Tetanus has a high mortality rate and remains a major public health threat in low- and middle-income countries. Although neonatal tetanus has been eliminated in China, the burden of non-neonatal tetanus is still heavy. This study analyzed the case characteristics, outcomes, and hospitalization expenses of non-neonatal tetanus inpatients in Guizhou Province, China, and provided a basis for reducing the disease burden.

Read more

300×250 Ad Slot