tetanus Flashcards
1
Q
Tetanus
A
bacteria
- clostridium tetani - toxin
2
Q
Tetanus mode of transmission
A
- zoonotic or indirect
- spores spread in the soil from animal faeces
- spores get into wounds via trauma, puncture, tattoo, surgery or injection
3
Q
Tetanus impact on host / symptoms
A
- muscle stiffness and spasms for 4 weeks
- spasms in neck, back and leg may become so strong it fractures bones, causes heart attack or be fatal
- spasms are triggered by noise, light or touch
- lock jaw
- laryngeal spasms causes asphyxia
4
Q
Tetanus economic importance
A
- with vaccinations the cost savings are billions for society and the health system
- cost of vaccine
- cost of hospital care
5
Q
Tetanus diagnosis
A
- physical exam
- immunization history
- signs and symptoms of muscle spasms, stiffness and pain
- lab tests are useful
6
Q
Tetanus treatment
A
- anti toxin injection within 48 hours of injury neutralizes the wound
- tetanus immunoglobulin injection kills the bacteria
- wound oxygenation to prevent more toxin production
- anti-convulsive drugs to reduce spasms
- remain in the dark, quiet room to stop spasms
- life support for asphyxia
7
Q
Tetanus prevention
A
- vaccine: tetanus toxin injection in infancy stimulate production of antibodies
- vaccine booster every 10 years
- wound hygiene
- wear gloves when gardening
- herd immunity doesn’t work as it isn’t spread from person to person
8
Q
Tetanus geographical distribution
A
- worldwide
9
Q
Tetanus life cycle
A
- tetani spores enter body via wound
- germinates in anaerobic conditions multiples and produces neurotoxin
- toxin spreads in blood and binds to the end of motor nerves and brain stem
- travels along the motor nerves towards the brain
- toxin binds to presynaptic nerve endings and stop release of inhibitory neurotransmitters
- short nerves are first to carry toxin to the spine causing facial distortions and neck stiffness
- muscles spasms = tetanic spasms
