Tetanus is caused by the gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium Clostridium tetani. It is transmitted through cuts and puncture wounds, or to neonates by infected surgical instruments. The bacteria produces a toxin called tetanospasmin that affects the central nervous system and causes prolonged painful contraction of skeletal muscles. Symptoms include tetanic muscle spasms and breathing problems that can lead to death. Treatment involves a tetanus antitoxin, antibiotics, and muscle relaxants. Prophylaxis includes vaccination with the DPT vaccine every 10 years.

1. Tetanus

2. Definition
Gram +Ve
Bacillus
Spores forming
anaerobic
“ Clostridium tetani “

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Incubation period
Usually 8 days … but can last for
weeks and months
In general :
The further the site of injury from CNS ,
the longer the incubation period

7. Diagnosis
Culture in blood agar in anaerobic
conditions
Result: hemolysis of blood

8. Treatment
Tetanus antitoxin (immunoglobulin)
metronidazole > anaerobic antibiotic
Diazepam > relaxation of muscles

9. prophylaxis
DPT vaccine
It is recommended to repeat every 10
years

10. By: Ph. Ahmed Omar