Tetanus

Definition

Gram +Ve Bacillus

Spores forming anaerobic

“Clostridium tetani “

transmission

Infection of Cut and Puncture wound.transmitted to neonates by infected surgery instruments.

Pathogenesis

Infection of wound by spores

Germination of spores to bacilli

Bacilli produce toxins (tetanospasmin)

Toxins affect CNS and inhibit ‘inhibitory mediators which

responsible for relaxation of muscles after contraction

So contraction prolongs

symptoms

Tetanic contraction prolonged painful contraction of

all skeletal muscles of the body ‘Jaw, Neck, Back, Buttocks,

Extremities, lungs, etc’....……Breathing problems which can lead to death

Incubation period

Usually 8 days … but can last for weeks and monthsIn general:

The further the site of injury from CNS , the longer the incubation period

Diagnosis

Culture in blood agar in anaerobic conditions

Result: hemolysis of blood

Treatment

Tetanus antitoxin (immunoglobulin)metronidazole > anaerobic antibioticDiazepam > relaxation of muscles

prophylaxis

DPT vaccine It is recommended to repeat every 10 years

By: Ph. Ahmed Omar