Tetanus

Question 1

What causes tetanus?

Answer 1

Clostridium tetani

Question 2

What are the characteristics of clostridium tetani?

Answer 2

G +ve spoon shaped
Spore forming
Anaerobic

Question 3

How do you get tetanus?

Answer 3

Transmitted through cuts/umbilical cords contaminated with soil or animal faeces containing spores

Question 4

What is the pathophysiology of tetanus?

Answer 4

Toxin produced that blocks GABA leading to reduced muscle inhibition and therefore rigidity

Question 5

How does tetanus present?

Answer 5

Rigidity
Opisthotonos 
Autonomic dysfunction
Spasms
Trismus

Question 6

What are some of the risks of spasms in tetanus?

Answer 6

Aspiration
Asphyxiation
Acute airway obstruction
Risus sardonicus

Question 7

How do neonate present with tetanus?

Answer 7

Initially with poor feeding

Question 8

How do you treat tetanus?

Answer 8

Woundcare
Supportive management
-early trache 
Metronidazole
Tetanus immunoglobulins 
Vaccinate afterwards

Question 9

How do you prevent tetanus?

Answer 9

Umbilical cord care
Wound care
Vaccination- children and women or child baring age

Question 10

What is the vaccination schedule for tetanus?

Answer 10

3 primary doses: 6 weeks then 4 weeks apart

3 boosters: 1-2yr, 4-7yr and 9-15yr