In this article, we are going to focus on the definition, causes, symptoms and prevention of Tetanus.
Tetanus is an acute, often-fatal disease of the nervous system that is caused by nerve toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium is found throughout the world in the soil and in animal and human intestines. The bacterium can also lay dormant in its spore form for years before becoming activated and developing into a regularly reproducing bacterium.
Generalized Tetanus – It is the most common form of tetanus making up about 80% of all cases. It usually presents with a descending pattern starting from the jaw area and facial spasms down to the neck and then the chest muscles.
Neonatal Tetanus – This occurs in newly born children, which is usually caused by an infection of the umbilical stump. The incubation period is only about 4 days, but immunization of the mother gives her child what is called passive immunity.
Local Tetanus – In this type of tetanus, he contractions and spasms are only limited to the site of injury. It usually lasts for a few weeks, then subsides to a milder and less* threatening form of tetanus. Proper treatment is required in order to avoid its development into generalized tetanus.
Cephalic Tetanus – This is the rarest type of tetanus and in some cases occurs alongside an ear infection.
Risk factors
The following increase your likelihood of getting tetanus:
Failure to get vaccinated or to keep up to date with booster shots against tetanus
An injury that lets tetanus spores into the wound
A foreign body, such as a nail or splinter
Tetanus cases have developed from the following:
Puncture wounds including from splinters, body piercings, tattoos, injection drugs
Gunshot wounds
Compound fractures
Burns
Surgical wounds
Injection drug use
Animal or insect bites
Infected foot ulcers
Dental infections
Infected umbilical stumps in newborns born of inadequately immunized mothers
Causes of Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by the Clostridium tetani Clostridium tetani spores are able to survive for a long time outside of the body. They are most commonly found in animal manure and contaminated soil, but may exist virtually anywhere.
When Clostridium tetani enter the body, they multiply rapidly and release tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin. When tetanospasmin enters the bloodstream, it rapidly spreads around the body, causing tetanus symptoms.
Tetanospasmin interferes with the signals traveling from the brain to the nerves in the spinal cord, and then on to the muscles, causing muscle spasms and stiffness.
Puncture wounds – Clostridium tetani enters the body mainly through skin lesions (skin cut or puncture wound). Thoroughly cleaning any cut helps prevent an infection from developing.
Symptoms of Tetanus
Symptoms of tetanus include:
Jaw cramping
Sudden, involuntary muscle tightening (muscle spasms) often in the stomach
Painful muscle stiffness all over the body
Trouble swallowing
Jerking or staring (seizures)
Headache
Fever and sweating
Changes in blood pressure and a fast heart rate.
Complications
Once tetanus toxin has bonded to your nerve endings it is impossible to remove. Complete recovery from a tetanus infection requires new nerve endings to grow, which can take up to several months.
Complications of tetanus infection may include:
Broken bones: The severity of spasms may cause the spine and other bones to break.
Blockage of a lung artery (pulmonary embolism): A blood clot that has travelled from elsewhere in your body can block the main artery of the lung or one of its branches.
Death: Severe tetanus-induced (tetanic) muscle spasms can interfere with or stop your breathing. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death. Lack of oxygen may also induce cardiac arrest and death. Pneumonia is another cause of death.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose tetanus based on a physical exam, medical and immunization history, and the signs and symptoms of muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. Laboratory tests generally aren’t helpful for diagnosing tetanus.
Prevention
Exclusion of people with tetanus from childcare, preschool, school and work is not necessary.
Protection against tetanus is provided by a tetanus-containing vaccine which is given in combination with other vaccines as part of routine childhood immunisation. The first dose of tetanus vaccine, in combination with other vaccines, is now recommended to be given at 6 weeks of age. A tetanus booster is recommended at 3½ years of age and between 12 and 15 years of age. A booster is also recommended at age 50 years and prior to travelling overseas, if one has not been given in the previous 10 years.
For adolescents and adults, the combined diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) vaccine is preferred, if not given previously, as it will also provide protection against whooping cough (pertussis).