Tetanus

Question 1

Organism responsible.

Answer 1

Clostridium tetani

Question 2

Where in the human body is c tetani a commensal

Answer 2

In human gut

Question 3

Route of entry of c tetani in human body

Answer 3

Wounds ( umbilical stump or site of circumcision…)

Question 4

Mortality rate of c tetani in developing world

Answer 4

100% newborn
40% others

Question 5

Dormant form of c tetani

Answer 5

Spores

Question 6

C tetani is aerobic or anaerobic

Answer 6

Anaerobic when there is tissue necrosis or low oxygen due to presence of other organisns

Question 7

Pathogenesis of ctetani

Answer 7

Remain local and Produce exotoxin -> bloodstream ->
Exotoxin affect motor nerve endings sand motor nerve cells -> rigidity, convulsion 2 days to several weeks after

Question 8

Clinical features

Answer 8

Trismus -painless spasm of masseter leading to lockjaw
Tonic rigidity of face, neck, trunk
Risks sardonicus
Opisthoonus
Painful exhausting Spasm of 3-4 mins triggered by movement or noise in severe cases

Death due to exhaustion, asphyxiions or aspiration pneumonia

Question 9

Investigation of c tetani

Answer 9

Mostly clinical

Question 10

Management of c tetani

Answer 10

Neutralise toxin with tetanus antitoxin
Wound debridement
Benzylpenicillin