Vaccine preventable neonatal disease is
**Core Concept**
Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by Clostridium tetani, a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium. Neonatal tetanus occurs when the spores of C. tetani contaminate the umbilical cord stump of a newborn, leading to infection.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Tetanus is a significant cause of neonatal mortality worldwide, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. The disease is characterized by muscle stiffness, spasms, and rigidity, which can lead to respiratory failure if left untreated. Maternal vaccination against tetanus is essential to prevent neonatal tetanus, as it provides immunity to the newborn through placental transfer. The World Health Organization recommends tetanus toxoid vaccination for pregnant women in areas with high tetanus prevalence.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Tuberculosis is a vaccine-preventable disease, but it is not typically considered a neonatal disease. Tuberculosis primarily affects adults, and while it can be transmitted from mother to child, it is not as directly preventable through vaccination as tetanus.
**Option C:** Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease, but it is not typically considered a neonatal disease. While pertussis can be severe in newborns, it is not as directly preventable through vaccination as tetanus.
**Option D:** Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, but it is not typically considered a neonatal disease. Measles primarily affects children over 6 months of age, and while it can be severe, it is not as directly preventable through vaccination as tetanus.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Tetanus vaccination is essential for pregnant women in areas with high tetanus prevalence, as it provides immunity to the newborn through placental transfer and prevents neonatal tetanus.
β Correct Answer: B. Tetanus