A 40-year-old man presents with a deep contaminated laceration on his leg sustained in a road traffic accident. His immunization history is unknown. According to standard guidelines, what is the appropriate tetanus prophylaxis?

• A Both tetanus toxoid and tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) ✓
• B Tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) alone
• C Tetanus toxoid alone
• D No prophylaxis needed if wound is cleaned thoroughly

Explanation

For a deep contaminated wound of unknown immunization status, this is a tetanus-prone wound. Standard protocol requires both active immunization (tetanus toxoid) and passive immunization (TIG) at separate sites. Toxoid alone provides active immunity but takes weeks for antibody development. TIG alone provides immediate passive protection but no long-term immunity. Neither alone is sufficient for tetanus-prone wounds in patients with unknown vaccination status.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.