Tetanus Flashcards
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is an infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, characterized by muscle spasms, particularly starting in the jaw muscle (lockjaw), and potentially leading to respiratory paralysis and death if untreated.
How does Clostridium tetani enter the nervous system?
Clostridium tetani enters the nervous system at the neuromuscular junction and is transported retrogradely into the spinal cord, where it affects inhibitory interneurons, leading to muscle hyperactivity.
What is the main toxin responsible for tetanus symptoms?
Tetanospasmin is the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani that causes the characteristic symptoms of tetanus by affecting inhibitory interneurons in the spinal cord.
What is the typical incubation period for tetanus?
The typical incubation period for tetanus is between three days and three weeks.
Why is vaccination important in preventing tetanus?
Vaccination is crucial in preventing tetanus as there is rarely acquired immunity due to the high potency of the tetanus toxin. Vaccination is the best way to immunize against tetanus.
What are the symptoms of tetanus?
Symptoms include headache, cranial nerve failure, trismus (spasms of the jaw muscle), opisthotonos (stiffness and arching of the neck and back muscles), and potentially respiratory paralysis.
How is tetanus diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically based on characteristic symptoms like trismus and opisthotonos. Additional tests include a normal liquor test, EEG showing a shortened silent period in the jaw muscles, positive spatula test triggering involuntary jaw contractions, and elevated blood pressure.
