Ossibi Ibara BR^{1, 2,}, Ngakengni NY^{1, 3}, Adoua Doukaga T^{1, 2}, Ollandzobo Atipo Ibara LC^{1, 4}, Ekat M^{1, 2}, Mpassy², Angonga Pabota E², Bendett Lebaho P², Okoko AR^{1, 5}, Mbika CA^{1, 5}

Introduction: Tetanus is a real public health problem in the tropics and in the Congo, with high morbidity and mortality despite the existence of an effective, well-tolerated vaccine. Objective: to contribute to the improvement of tetanus management at Brazzaville University Hospital. Patients and method: cross-sectional, descriptive study of tetanus cases admitted to the infectious diseases department between January 1, 2018 and August 31, 2023, i.e. 5 years and 8 months. Patients aged at least 1 year and meeting the selection criteria were included. Results: Out of 561 admissions, there were 102 cases of tetanus (5.5%). The patients had an average age of 31.08± 18.5 (2-78) years, were male (n=86; 84.3%), city-dwellers (n=100; 98%) and students (n=41; 40.2%). They had not been vaccinated (n=63; 61.7%), and the portal of entry was integumentary (n=75; 73.5%). The average consultation time was 10.2± 2.01(2-15) days, for trismus (n=94; 92.2%), paroxysms (n=79; 77.5%). The Dakar score was between 4-6 in 18.6% (n=19). SAT was administered IM (n=38; 39.6%), suboccipitally (n=1; 0.9%). The portal of entry was not trimmed (n=22; 21.6%). The mean length of hospital stay was 12.5± 9.6(1-37) days, and the outcome was unfavorable, with death in 42.2% (n=43). Factors associated with death were age (p=0.001), diabetes (p=0.007), occupation (p=0.03) and Dakar score (p=0.0003). Conclusion: The prevalence of tetanus is high at Brazzaville University Hospital, affecting both children and adults. Unvaccinated patients present with moderate and severe forms of the disease. Lethality is high, in line with age and the Dakar score. Prevention requires vaccination.

tetanus, prevalence, vaccination, CHU, Brazzaville