Cause, clinical features, treatment and prevention of tetanus Custom Search Tetanus is a disease primarily affecting the nervous system caused by a toxin released by Clostridium tetani which is an anaerobic bacterium. Anaerobic bacterium is a microorganism which survives and thrives under conditions with little oxygen. The bacteria form spores which survive is soil for long time. If any wound is contaminated by such soil the spores develop into bacteria which release a neurotoxin (a toxin which acts on the nervous system). The toxin passes through the nerves and gets bound to certain molecules in the nerve cells. This toxin causes increase in the reflex excitability of the nerve cells. The increased excitability causes spasm of muscles. In the newborn baby infection can occur due to contamination of umbilical cord if delivery takes place in unhygienic conditions. In later life infection is through wounds. Occasionally there may be no history of wound. The disease is more common in those places where immunization is not practiced vigorously. The disease has a high mortality rate and is estimated to kill about 10 percent of patients. The mortality rate is higher for newborn babies. Symptoms and signs: Initially there may be some spasm of the muscles near the site of infection. Difficulty is opening the mouth (trismus) is another early sign. Spasm of facial muscles leads to a grimace (risus sardonicus). Patient will find it extremely difficult to swallow anything. Later, even slight stimulus (flash of light, sound or handing) causes severe spasm of many groups of muscles. Spasms may last for a few seconds to several minutes. Consciousness remains unaffected. Disturbances in cardio vascular system may be seen consisting of elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate and abnormal cardiac rhythm. Custom Search
Page last reviewed on 5th June 2010
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