Tetanus Flashcards
1
Q
Exotoxins of Clostridium tetani
A
Tetanospasmin - causative agent of tetanus
Tetanolysin - no role in pathogenesis
2
Q
Maternal tetanus when occurred
A
During pregnancy or within 6 weeks after delivery
3
Q
Minimum lethal human dose of tetanus exotoxin
A
2.5ng/kg
4
Q
Muscles first affected in generalized tetanus
A
Muscles of the face and jaw
5
Q
Most common initial symptoms of tetanus
A
Trismus, muscle pain and stiffness, back pain, dysphagia
6
Q
Most common cause of death in tetanus
A
Respiratory muscle spasm leading to failure
7
Q
Diagnosis of tetanus
A
Clinical
8
Q
Treatment of tetanus
A
Clean wound, give metronidazole IV or per rectum + tetanus immune globulin
9
Q
Alternative antibiotic for tetanus which can exacerbate spasms
A
Penicillin
