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TETANUS

(Clostridium tetani)

By Daisy Gomez

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Tetanus is caused by a bacteria called Clostridium tetani.

This bacteria is usually found in dirt, soil, and animal poop. It can enter your body through cuts or wounds, especially if they’re deep.

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It is a Gram-positive bacterium.

It has a rod-shaped (bacillus) structure.

Anaerobic.

It forms endospores, that allow the bacterium to survive in harsh conditions.

Produces tetanospasmin.

Clostridium tetani does not spread throughout the body.

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Direct contact with spores: The bacteria are commonly found in soil, dust, and animal feces.

Wounds in low-oxygen environments: It thrives in deep, dirty wounds where there is limited oxygen, such as puncture wounds, cuts, or injuries from rusty objects (like nails).

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Tetanus Immunoglobulin (TIG)

Mode of Action: TIG contains human antibodies that specifically target and neutralize tetanospasmin, the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani.

Administration: TIG is given as an intramuscular injection as soon as possible after exposure or diagnosis of tetanus.

Purpose: The main goal of TIG is to neutralize the tetanus toxin and prevent further nerve damage, reducing the severity of symptoms and improving recovery chances.

TIG does not directly affect bacterial growth or replication

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Symptoms of tetanus usually begin 3 to 21 days after infection.

Convulsions

Muscle Stiffness

Muscle Spasms

Difficulty Swallowing

Sweating and High Blood Pressure

Rigid Posture

Difficulty Breathing

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The primary virulence factor for Clostridium tetani and the cause of tetanus is tetanospasmin, a potent neurotoxin. This toxin acts by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters (glycine and GABA) from inhibitory motor neurons, leading to uncontrolled muscle spasms. Other factors, including tetanolysin and collagenase, may also contribute to the disease.

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Metronidazole is commonly used as an antibiotic to treat tetanus.

Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic. Metronidazole treats tetanus by disrupting the bacterial DNA, preventing the replication of Clostridium tetani. This is especially effective in anaerobic conditions, where the bacterium thrives.

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1. Muscle Weakness and Fatigue:

2. Joint Contractures:

3. Neurological Impairments:

4. Respiratory Complications:

5. Psychological Effects:

6. Increased Risk of Re-infection:

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Tetanus is typically diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and medical history, as there are no specific laboratory tests to confirm the infection in most cases.

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Wound culture is used to identify the bacteria, but it's not always effective.

PCR toxin detection tests are more advanced and detect the genetic material of the bacterium but are not commonly used in routine diagnostics.

Blood tests help rule out other conditions but are not specific for tetanus.

Clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and medical history is the most common and reliable method.

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Worldwide:

Tetanus is a significant health concern in developing countries due to limited access to vaccination and medical care. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 30,000 deaths occur annually from tetanus, primarily in regions with poor sanitation and lack of immunization.

United States:

In the U.S., tetanus cases have significantly decreased due to widespread vaccination. The incidence has dropped by over 95%.

Infection rates are low, with fewer than 30 cases per year reported in the U.S., mostly in older adults who have not received booster shots.

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Tetanus : Symptoms, Cause , Treatment & Prevention | cult.fit. (2022). Cult.fit. https://blog.cult.fit/articles/tetanus

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WHO vs. IHME incidence of tetanus. (2025). Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/who-vs-gbd-incidence-of-tetanus

Behrens, H., Ochmann, S., & Roser, M. (2017). Tetanus. Our World in Data; Our world in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/tetanus

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Tetanus Immune Globulin (Intramuscular Route) Description and Brand Names - Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tetanus-immune-globulin-intramuscular-route/description/drg-20066294

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Rodrigo, C., Fernando, D., & Rajapakse, S. (2014). Pharmacological management of tetanus: an evidence-based review. Critical Care, 18(2), 217. https://doi.org/10.1186/cc13797

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