Tetanus is characterized by muscle rigidity and spasms due to production of a neurotoxin in infected wounds by Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic spore-forming gram-positive bacillus.
T...
Incubation period is 3 to 21 days (usually 10 days) but varies as inoculations distal to CNS are associated with longer incubation periods.
Generalized tetanus
“Lockjaw” or trismus is i...
Tetanus is not a transmissible disease.
Keep patient in a quiet, darkened room with minimum stimulus.
Monitor cardiac and respiratory status closely.
Be prepared to perform a tr...
Signs and symptoms usually progress for ~1 week, then plateau for ~1 week, and gradually improve over the next 2 to 6 weeks.
Overall mortality rates have decreased with advances i...
Brook I. Tetanus in children. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2004;20(1):48–51. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]
Hassel B. Tetanus: pathophysiology, treatment, and the possibility of using ...
037 Tetanus
771.3 Tetanus neonatorum
A35 Other tetanus
A33 Tetanus neonatorum
76902006 Tetanus (disorder)
43424001 tetanus neonatorum (disorder)
240434007 Generalized tetanus
240429008 L...
Q: What types of wounds are tetanus-prone?
A: Punctures, avulsion wounds, crush injuries, burns, wounds from frostbite or missiles, and wounds contaminated with saliva, soil, or feces.
Q: How is tet...
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Figure 211.1. Gram stain of <italic>Clostridium tetani</bold> showing typical “drumstick” forms.
Clostridial diseases. Clostridia in the vegetative form inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Spores pass in the feces, contaminate soil and plant materials, and are ingested or enter sites of penetrating wounds. Under anaerobic conditions they revert to vegetative forms. Plasmids in the vegetative forms elaborate toxins that cause several clostridial diseases. Food poisoning and necrotizing enteritis. Meat dishes left to cool at room temperature grow large numbers of cl...
Clostridial diseases. Clostridia in the vegetative form inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Spores pass in the feces...