Tetanus Flashcards
1
Q
Neurotoxin produced by C.tetani
A
Tetanospasmin
2
Q
Maternal tetanus
A
Occuring during pregnancy or within 6 weeks after
3
Q
C.tetani
A
Anaerobic, gram-positive, spore-forming rod
4
Q
Minimum lethal human dose of toxin
A
2.5 ng/kg
5
Q
MC infection sites of tetanus in adults
A
Superficial abrasions to the limbs
6
Q
Clincial manifestations occur
A
Once toxin reached PRESYNAPTIC inhibitory nerves
7
Q
Affected first in generalized tetanus
A
face and jaw
8
Q
MC initial symptom
A
Trismus
9
Q
Autonomic disturbances occur
A
2nd week of severe tetanus: Inc CV mortality risk
Labile BP Tachy Brady Heart block GI stasis Sweating Inc tracheal secretions Acute renal failure
10
Q
Treatment for tetanus
A
Metronidazole
Alt: Penicillin
11
Q
Given early to deactivate any circulating tetanus toxin and prevent its uptake into the nervous system
A
Antitoxin (HTIG or equine antitoxin)
12
Q
Recovery from teranus
A
4-6 weeks
