Tetanus overview: Difference between revisions
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===Physical Examination=== | ===Physical Examination=== | ||
The diagnosis of Tetanus is completed through a physical examination. Tetanus infection produces some very clear symptoms that will be used for a clinical diagnosis. | The diagnosis of Tetanus is completed through a physical examination. Tetanus infection produces some very clear symptoms that will be used for a clinical diagnosis. | ||
==Laboratory Findings== | |||
There are no laboratory findings characteristic of tetanus. The [[diagnosis]] is entirely clinical and does not depend upon [[bacteriologic]] confirmation. C. tetani is recovered from the [[wound]] in only 30% of cases and can be isolated from patients who do not have tetanus. Laboratory identification of the [[organism]] depends most importantly on the demonstration of [[toxin]] production in mice. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 15:50, 17 December 2012
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Tetanus overview On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Tetanus is a medical condition that is characterized by a prolonged contraction of skeletal muscle fibers. The primary symptoms are caused by tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin produced by the Gram-positive, obligate anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani. Infection generally occurs through wound contamination, and often involves a cut or deep puncture wound. As the infection progresses, muscle spasms in the jaw develop hence the common name, lockjaw. This is followed by difficulty swallowing and general muscle stiffness and spasms in other parts of the body.[1] Infection can be prevented by proper immunization and by post-exposure prophylaxis.[2]
Tetanus affects skeletal muscle, a type of striated muscle. The other type of striated muscle, cardiac or heart muscle cannot be tetanized because of their intrinsic electrical properties. In recent years, approximately 11% of reported tetanus cases have been fatal. The highest mortality rates are in unvaccinated persons and persons over 60 years of age. C. tetani, the bacteria that causes tetanus, is recovered from the initial wound in only about 30% of cases, and can be found in patients who do not have tetanus.
The clinical manifestations of tetanus are caused when tetanus toxin blocks inhibitory nerve impulses, by interfering with the release of neurotransmitters. This leads to unopposed muscle contraction and spasm. Seizures may occur, and the autonomic nervous system may also be affected. The term tetany refers to sustained muscle contraction that is not caused by tetanus.
Risk Factors
People in developing countries are more at risk because of lack of vaccination.
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
The diagnosis of Tetanus is completed through a physical examination. Tetanus infection produces some very clear symptoms that will be used for a clinical diagnosis.
Laboratory Findings
There are no laboratory findings characteristic of tetanus. The diagnosis is entirely clinical and does not depend upon bacteriologic confirmation. C. tetani is recovered from the wound in only 30% of cases and can be isolated from patients who do not have tetanus. Laboratory identification of the organism depends most importantly on the demonstration of toxin production in mice.
References
- ↑ Wells CL, Wilkins TD (1996). Clostridia: Sporeforming Anaerobic Bacilli. In: Baron's Medical Microbiology (Baron S et al, eds.) (4th ed. ed.). Univ of Texas Medical Branch. (via NCBI Bookshelf) ISBN 0-9631172-1-1.
- ↑ "Tetanus" (PDF). CDC Pink Book. Retrieved 2007-01-26.