Clostridium tetani

Question 1

Clinical presentation of C. tetani

Answer 1

• 4days to 4wks incubation
• spasms first of the jaws, then back
• strong enough to break bones
• interfere with respiration

Question 2

Epidemiology of C. tetani

Answer 2

• spores common in soil and animal feces
• introduced by fomites penetrating skin
• neonatal tetanus from umbilical stump infections
• vegetative cells spread locally
• drug users

Question 3

Pathogenesis of C. tetani

Answer 3

• AB neurotoxin, plasmid encoded : tetanospasmin
• absorbed at neuromuscular junction, retrograde
• binds irreversibly to and reuptaken by presynaptic membrane
• cleaves synaptobrevin to prevent GABA release

Question 4

Look at packet to view image of its mode of action

Answer 4

Look at packet

Question 5

Control of C. tetani

Answer 5

• vaccination with tetanus toxoid and boosters(x10yr)
• tetanus immune globulin; antitoxin works only if given early
• avoid stimulation
• early tracheostomy to prevent suffocation
• muscle relaxants

Question 6

Medical treatment of C. tetani

Answer 6

-metronidazole preferred over penicillin