Tetanus is an serious, acute infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is found in the soil, dust and manure. The bacterium usually enters the skin through grazes, wounds and burns.
After entering the body, it needs up to 21 days to incubate and usually symptoms appear after the 10 days. Symptoms include muscle spasm which is particularly apparent on the face, fever, sweating, tachycardia and hypertension. If it is not treated it can lead to fatal complications which include septicaemia, asphyxia, heart attack and kideny failure.
To prevent infection wound must be cleaned and antiseptics must be used or if severe the wound should be treated appropriately by a healthcare professional. Vaccination might also need to follow.
Antibiotics may also be given to limit the bacteria growth and the neurotoxin tetanospasmin spreading. Penicillin or metronidazole are usually given and tetracycline is given to those allergic to the aforementioned antibiotics.
Muscle spasms are treated by anticonvulsants (phenobarbital), muscle relaxants (diazepam, baclofen, dantrolene) and neuromuscular blocking agents (vecuronium).
A high calorie and protein-rich diet might be also necessary due to increased muscle activity and energy consumption.
After entering the body, it needs up to 21 days to incubate and usually symptoms appear after the 10 days. Symptoms include muscle spasm which is particularly apparent on the face, fever, sweating, tachycardia and hypertension. If it is not treated it can lead to fatal complications which include septicaemia, asphyxia, heart attack and kideny failure.
To prevent infection wound must be cleaned and antiseptics must be used or if severe the wound should be treated appropriately by a healthcare professional. Vaccination might also need to follow.
Antibiotics may also be given to limit the bacteria growth and the neurotoxin tetanospasmin spreading. Penicillin or metronidazole are usually given and tetracycline is given to those allergic to the aforementioned antibiotics.
Muscle spasms are treated by anticonvulsants (phenobarbital), muscle relaxants (diazepam, baclofen, dantrolene) and neuromuscular blocking agents (vecuronium).
A high calorie and protein-rich diet might be also necessary due to increased muscle activity and energy consumption.
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