Tetanus Bacteriology, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

What bacterium causes tetanus?

Clostridium tetani.

What is the Gram stain of Clostridium tetani?

Gram-positive.

What is the oxygen requirement of Clostridium tetani?

Obligate anaerobe.

What shape is Clostridium tetani?

Rod-shaped.

What durable survival structure does Clostridium tetani form?

Endospores.

Where is Clostridium tetani commonly found?

Soil, animal feces, and some intestines.

How does tetanus enter the body?

Through contaminated wounds or sores.

What causes the main symptoms of tetanus?

A powerful bacterial neurotoxin.

What is the usual incubation range for tetanus?

About 3-21 days.

What is the average incubation period for tetanus?

About eight days.

What is lockjaw?

Spasm of jaw-closing muscles that prevents opening the mouth.

What symptoms typically follow lockjaw?

Stiff neck, difficulty swallowing, and rigid abdominal muscles.

How severe can tetanus spasms become?

They can be strong enough to break bones.

How long can muscle spasms persist in tetanus?

About 3-4 weeks.

What is the spatula test?

Touching the throat causes a person with tetanus to bite rather than gag.

What is neonatal tetanus associated with?

Unvaccinated mothers and contaminated instruments used on the umbilical cord.

What does DPT stand for?

Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.

How often does tetanus protection need a booster?

Generally every ten years.

Do antibiotics neutralize toxin already released in tetanus?

No; they reduce bacteria, not toxin already in the body.

What is tetanus immune globulin used for?

To neutralize unbound tetanus toxin.

Why are muscle relaxants used in tetanus cases?

To reduce severe muscle spasms.

What supportive intervention may be needed in severe tetanus cases?

Airway support or mechanical ventilation.

What untreated mortality rate is associated with tetanus?

Up to about 90%.

What treated mortality rate is associated with tetanus?

Around 10%.