Otogenous tetanus: a sequelae of chronic ear infections.

Eight patients had bacteriologically confirmed otogenous tetanus and all survived, suggesting that this may be a less severe form of the disease. Clostridium organisms most probably secondarily infect the purulent ear discharge after contamination by dirty cloth or fingers. Since most cases of tetanus are seen first by pediatricians or family physicians, they should be familiar with this potential source. Adequate tetanus immunization predisposed to chronic otorrhea.