Tetanus Flashcards
What are the causative organisms for Tetanus?
Clostridium tetani
What form of tetanus is Clostridium tetani?
Bacterial, gram-positive
What are the most common modes of transmission for Clostridium tetani?
Parenteral, direct contact
What are the virulence factors for Clostridium tetani?
Tetanospasm exotoxin
How do you culture/diagnose Clostridium tetani infection?
Symptomatic
How do you prevent Clostridium tetani infection?
Tetanus toxoid immunization
How do you treat Clostridium tetani infection?
Combination of passive antitoxin and tetanus toxoid active immunization, metronidazole, muscle relaxants; sedation
What are the epidemiological features of Clostridium tetani?
Worldwide, +/- 35,000 newborn deaths annually in developing countries