Tetanus

Question 1

What is tetanus?

Answer 1

Tetanus is an acute disease caused by neurotoxins from the bacterium Clostridioides tetani

Question 2

Where are C. tetani spores usually found?

Answer 2

In contaminated soil

Question 3

How does C. tetani usually enter the body?

Answer 3

They enter from contaminated soil via broken skin

Question 4

What is the incubation period of tetanus?

Answer 4

4 days - several weeks

Question 5

How does tetanus cause muscle spasm?

Answer 5

The toxin binds to inhibitor neurons, preventing release of inhibitory neurotransmitters

This leads to widespread activation of motor neurones and spasming of muscles throughout the body

Question 6

How does tetanus usually present?

Answer 6

• Trismus (Lock jaw)
• Risus sardonicus (Abnormal sustained facial spasm and grinning)
• Autonomic instability

Question 7

What is risus sardonicus?

Answer 7

Abnormal sustained facial spasm and grinning

Question 8

How will C. tetani test?

Answer 8

Anaerobic
Gram positive
Terminal spores

Question 9

How can tetanus be avoided?

Answer 9

Routine vaccination
Wound management

Question 10

What are some treatment options in tetanus?

Answer 10

• Surgical debridement
• Anti-toxins
• Booster vaccination
• Supportive measures (benzodiazapines, ß-blockers)
• Antibiotics (7-10 days)