Tetanus

 Tetanus

Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is a serious infection caused by Clostridium tetani. This bacterium produces a toxin that affects the brain and nervous system, leading to stiffness in the muscles.

If Clostridium tetani spores are deposited in a wound, the neurotoxin interferes with nerves that control muscle movement.

The infection can cause severe muscle spasms, serious breathing difficulties, and can ultimately be fatal. Although tetanus treatment exists, it is not uniformly effective. The best way to protect against tetanus is to take the vaccine.

Tetanus affects the nerves that control muscles, which can lead to difficulty swallowing. may also experience spasms and stiffness in various muscles, especially those in your jaw, abdomen, chest, back, and neck.

Other common tetanus symptoms are:

fast heart rate

fever

sweating

high blood pressure

The incubation period — the time between exposure to the bacteria and the onset of illness — is between 3 and 21 days. Symptoms typically appear within 14 days of initial infection. Infections that occur faster after exposure are typically more severe and have a worse prognosis.

Tetanus symptoms usually appear about 7-10 days after the initial infection. However, the appearance of symptoms varies from person to person. Some just get symptoms in 4 days to about 3 weeks, some take months.

In general, the further away the injury site is from the central nervous system, the longer the incubation period. People with tetanus who experience shorter incubation times tend to have more severe symptoms.

Perform intensive care in the form of:

Providing muscle relaxants and sedatives. The goal is to relieve seizures and calm the sufferer.

Administration of antimicrobial drugs and antibiotics to stop the production of neurotoxins released by the bacteria Clostridium tetani.

Metronidazole (500 mg intravenously [IV] every six to eight hours) is the preferred treatment for tetanus, but penicillin G (2 to 4 million units IV every four to six hours) is a safe and effective alternative suggest a treatment duration of 7 to 10 days.

If a mixed infection is suspected, a first-, second-, or third-generation cephalosporin such as cefazolin (1 to 2 g IV every 8 hours), cefuroxime (2 g IV every 6 hours), or ceftriaxone (1 to 2 g IV every 24 hours) can be used.

An alternative agent is doxycycline (100 mg every 12 hours); other agents with activity against C. tetani are macrolides, clindamycin, vancomycin, and chloramphenicol

Use of a breathing apparatus (ventilator) if tetanus affects the respiratory muscles.

Providing nutrition through moderate or infusion to prevent dehydration and nutritional deficiencies.

Give tetanus vaccination, especially for people who have never received vaccinations or an incomplete vaccination history.

Compiled by

Jones H.M- MBA/DMS