Tetanus is an acute disease induced by an exotoxin of the tetanus bacillus, which grows anaerobically at the site of an injury. The disease is characterized by painful muscular contractions, primarily of the masseter and other large muscles. Pertussis is an acute bacterial disease involving the respiratory tract, characterized by paroxysmal coughing. Occurrence Diphtheria remains a serious disease throughout much of the world. In particular, large outbreaks of diphtheria are currently occurring throughout the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union.
Most cases occur in unimmunized or inadequately immunized persons.
Tetanus is a global health problem. The disease occurs almost exclusively in persons who are unimmunized or inadequately immunized. In developing countries most reported illness occurs in infants and young children. Pertussis primarily occurs in children and is common in countries where immunization is not generally provided. It is highly communicable, often associated with complications, and has a relatively high case-fatality ratio in infants.