Generalised tetanus: the San Lazaro Hospital experience

Charles Hamish Coughlan; Su Myat Han; Johann Christine Santos; Arpan R Mehta; Chris  Smith; Ana Ria Sayo

doi:10.1136/pn-2026-005390

Generalised tetanus: the San Lazaro Hospital experience

Charles Hamish Coughlan (Lead / Corresponding author)
, Su Myat Han
, Johann Christine Santos
, Arpan R Mehta
, Chris Smith
, Ana Ria Sayo

MRC PPU

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Tetanus is a devastating toxin-mediated neurological disease that continues to exact high mortality in resource-constrained settings despite an effective and inexpensive vaccine. With just 10 cases diagnosed in the UK each year, few neurologists will encounter the condition over the course of their career. Nonetheless, a working knowledge of its clinical features, staging and management remains important, given the positive clinical outcomes that can be achieved through prompt recognition and aggressive treatment, even in older, comorbid patients. Here, we describe two cases of generalised tetanus in adults presenting to the apex hospital for infectious diseases in Metro Manila, the Philippines, and outline practical steps for clinical management.

Original language	English
Journal	Practical Neurology
Early online date	31 Aug 2026
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1136/pn-2026-005390
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 31 Aug 2026

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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10.1136/pn-2026-005390

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title = "Generalised tetanus: the San Lazaro Hospital experience",

abstract = "Tetanus is a devastating toxin-mediated neurological disease that continues to exact high mortality in resource-constrained settings despite an effective and inexpensive vaccine. With just 10 cases diagnosed in the UK each year, few neurologists will encounter the condition over the course of their career. Nonetheless, a working knowledge of its clinical features, staging and management remains important, given the positive clinical outcomes that can be achieved through prompt recognition and aggressive treatment, even in older, comorbid patients. Here, we describe two cases of generalised tetanus in adults presenting to the apex hospital for infectious diseases in Metro Manila, the Philippines, and outline practical steps for clinical management.",

author = "Coughlan, \{Charles Hamish\} and Han, \{Su Myat\} and Santos, \{Johann Christine\} and Mehta, \{Arpan R\} and Chris Smith and Sayo, \{Ana Ria\}",

note = "{\textcopyright} Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.",

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AU - Han, Su Myat

AU - Santos, Johann Christine

AU - Mehta, Arpan R

AU - Smith, Chris

AU - Sayo, Ana Ria

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AB - Tetanus is a devastating toxin-mediated neurological disease that continues to exact high mortality in resource-constrained settings despite an effective and inexpensive vaccine. With just 10 cases diagnosed in the UK each year, few neurologists will encounter the condition over the course of their career. Nonetheless, a working knowledge of its clinical features, staging and management remains important, given the positive clinical outcomes that can be achieved through prompt recognition and aggressive treatment, even in older, comorbid patients. Here, we describe two cases of generalised tetanus in adults presenting to the apex hospital for infectious diseases in Metro Manila, the Philippines, and outline practical steps for clinical management.

U2 - 10.1136/pn-2026-005390

DO - 10.1136/pn-2026-005390

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SN - 1474-7758

JO - Practical Neurology

JF - Practical Neurology

ER -

Generalised tetanus: the San Lazaro Hospital experience

Abstract

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