Clostridium tetani

Question 1

Where is Clostridium tetani found? what is its entry?

Answer 1

• Clostridium tetani is found in soil

- Entry via wounds

Question 2

Is Clostridium tetani Gram postive or negative?

Answer 2

Gram Positive

Question 3

T/F: Clostridium tetani are spore- forming rods

Answer 3

t

Question 4

Is Clostridium tetani aerobe or anaerobe

Answer 4

anareobe

Question 5

What is the virulence factor of Clostridium tetani

Answer 5

Flagella (H-Ag(+))

Question 6

What are the clinical manifestations Clostridium tetani?

Answer 6

1. tetanospasmin inhibits the release of GABA and glycine from nerve cells = sustained muscle contraction
   a. muscle spasm
   b. lockjaw (trismus)
   c. risus sardonica (grin)
   d. opisthotonos (pronounced back arch)
   e. respiratory muscle paralysis

Question 7

What is the treatment of Clostridium tetani

Answer 7

1) Tetanus toxoid: vaccine w/ formalin-inactivated toxin (DPT)
2) antitoxin: human tetanus immune
3) clean the wound
4) penicillin or metronidazole
5) ventilatory assistance