Clostridium tetani

Question 1

Tetanospasmin function

Answer 1

Enzyme (methalloprotease) that degrades a protein required for
neurotransmitter (glycine and γ aminobutyric
acid) released at presynaptic neuron

Question 2

Glycine and γ aminobutyric acid

Answer 2

affect inhibitory neuron

Question 3

as a result

Answer 3

unopposed firing of active motor
neurons –> generating spasm and spastic
paralysis

Question 4

Treatment

Answer 4

Administration of large dose of human
tetanus immune globulin (
(neutralization of unbound toxin)