infections
Tetanus
Introduction
Tetanus results from a toxin produced by the anaerobic bacteriaClostridium tetani. The toxin makes muscles contract involuntarily and become rigid. Tetanus usually develops after a wound or an injury that breaks the skin becomes contaminated. Diagnosis is based on symptoms. Treatment includes giving tetanusimmune globulinto neutralize the toxin and treating symptoms until they resolve. Vaccination and appropriate wound care can prevent tetanus. (See also Overview of Clostridial Infections .) do not require oxygen to live. That is, they are Overview of Anaerobic Bacteria . Tetanus is rare in the United States but is common in areas of the world where immunization coverage is low. It can occur in people of all ages, even infants. Clostridium tetaniis present in soil and animal feces and can live there for years. Tetanus bacteria may enter the body through Wounds contaminated with soil or feces (especially if the wound is not adequately cleaned) Skin punctures by contaminated needles (such as those used to inject illegal drugs or to tattoo or do body piercing) Sometimes the injury is so small that people do not even go to a doctor. Injuries that involve a foreign body (such as a splinter, dirt, or bullet fragments) and dead tissue (such as burns, frostbite, gangrene, or crush injuries) are more likely to cause tetanus. Occasionally, tetanus can develop when the uterus is damaged during an induced abortion or childbirth. Soil contamination of the stump of the umbilical cord, which may occur in parts of the world with inadequate sanitation, can cause tetanus in newborns. Tetanus bacteria produce spores. Spores are an inactive (dormant) form of bacteria. Spores enable bacteria to survive when environmental conditions are difficult. When conditions are favorable, spores germinate into active bacteria. Clostridium tetanibacteria produce tetanus toxins. These toxins travel throughout the body and prevent certain nerves from sending signals to other nerves. As a result, muscles contract involuntarily, causing stiffness and painful muscle spasms. Vaccination during childhood plus booster doses every 10 years during adulthood can prevent tetanus. Thus, tetanus occurs mainly in people who have not been vaccinated or have not kept their vaccinations up to date. In the United States, the risk of developing tetanus is high for the following: People who have burns or surgical wounds or who inject drugs People over 60 because immunity decreases over time People who were never given the primary series of tetanus vaccine, which is part of Childhood Vaccination Schedules None People who have diabetes or who take medications that weaken their immune system may be at risk of developing tetanus. 