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. The bacteria exist in soil, manure, and other environmental agents. A person who experiences a puncture wound with a contaminated object can develop the infection, which can affect the whole body. It can be fatal. In the United States, there are about 30 cases a year.
These are mostly people who have not been vaccinated against tetanus or who have not kept up their booster shots every 10 years. Tetanus is a medical emergency. It will need aggressive wound treatment and antibiotics. Tetanus symptoms usually emerge about 7 to 10 days after initial infection.
However, this can vary from 4 days to about 3 weeks, and may, in some cases, may take months. In general, the further the injury site is from the central nervous system , the longer the incubation period.
Patients with shorter incubation times tend to have more severe symptoms. Muscle symptoms include spasms and stiffness. Stiffness usually starts with the chewing muscles, hence the name lockjaw. Muscle spasms then spread to the neck and throat, causing difficulties with swallowing. Patients often have spasms in their facial muscles.
Breathing difficulties may result from neck and chest muscle stiffness. In some people, abdominal and limb muscles are also affected.
In severe cases, the spine will arch backward as the back muscles become affected. This is more common when children experience a tetanus infection. Any cut or wound must be thoroughly cleaned to prevent infection. A tetanus-prone wound should be treated by a medical professional immediately.
Any patient with a wound listed above should receive tetanus immunoglobulin TIG as soon as possible, even if they have been vaccinated. Tetanus immunoglobulin contains antibodies that kill Clostridium tetani. It is injected into a vein and provides immediate short-term protection against tetanus. TIG is just short-term and does not replace the long-term effects of vaccination. Experts say that TIG injections can be safely administered to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Doctors may prescribe penicillin or metronidazole for tetanus treatment. URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. Learn more about A. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright A. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Access myPennMedicine For Patients and Visitors. Patient Information. Conditions Treated A-Z. Definition Tetanus is an infection of the nervous system with a type of bacteria that is potentially deadly, called Clostridium tetani C tetani.
Alternative Names Lockjaw; Trismus Causes Spores of the bacterium C tetani are found in the soil, and in animal feces and mouth gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms Tetanus often begins with mild spasms in the jaw muscles lockjaw. Other symptoms include: Drooling Excessive sweating Fever Hand or foot spasms Irritability Swallowing difficulty Uncontrolled urination or defecation Exams and Tests Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history.
Treatment Treatment may include: Antibiotics Bedrest with a calm environment dim light, reduced noise, and stable temperature Medicine to neutralize the poison tetanus immune globulin Muscle relaxers, such as diazepam Sedatives Surgery to clean the wound and remove the source of the poison debridement Breathing support with oxygen, a breathing tube, and a breathing machine may be necessary.
Outlook Prognosis Without treatment, 1 out of 4 infected people die. Possible Complications Complications that may result from tetanus include: Airway obstruction Respiratory arrest Heart failure Pneumonia Damage to muscles Fractures Brain damage due to lack of oxygen during spasms When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your health care provider right away if you have an open wound, particularly if: You are injured outdoors.
The wound has been in contact with soil. You have not received a tetanus booster vaccine within 10 years or you are not sure of your vaccination status.
Editorial team. Stepping on nails or other sharp objects is one way people are exposed to the bacteria that cause tetanus. These bacteria are in the environment and get into the body through breaks in the skin. The spores can get into the body through broken skin, usually through injuries from contaminated objects. Tetanus bacteria are more likely to infect certain breaks in the skin. These include:. The incubation period — time from exposure to illness — is usually between 3 and 21 days average 10 days.
However, it may range from one day to several months, depending on the kind of wound. Most cases occur within 14 days.
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