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ALL / Infectious Diseases
Tetanus
Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by the tetanospasmin exotoxin released from Clostridium tetani. Tetanus spores are present in soil and may be introduced into the body from a wound, which is often unnoticed. Tetanospasmin prevents the release of GABA,In developed countries, tetanus may be seen in intravenous drug users.
Features
- prodrome fever, lethargy, headache
- trismus (lockjaw)
- risus sardonicus: facial spasms
- opisthotonus (arched back, hyperextended neck)
- spasms (e.g. dysphagia)
Management
- supportive therapy including ventilatory support and muscle relaxants
- intramuscular human tetanus immunoglobulin for high-risk wounds (e.g. compound fractures, delayed surgical intervention, significant degree of devitalised tissue)
- metronidazole is now preferred to benzylpenicillin as the antibiotic of choice
+PassMedicine Notes
Tetanus is caused by the tetanospasmin exotoxin released from Clostridium tetani. Tetanus spores are present in soil and may be introduced into the body from a wound, which is often unnoticed. Tetanospasmin prevents the release of GABA,
In developed countries, tetanus may be seen in intravenous drug users.
Features- prodrome fever, lethargy, headache
- trismus (lockjaw)
- risus sardonicus: facial spasms
- opisthotonus (arched back, hyperextended neck)
- spasms (e.g. dysphagia)
- supportive therapy including ventilatory support and muscle relaxants
- intramuscular human tetanus immunoglobulin for high-risk wounds (e.g. compound fractures, delayed surgical intervention, significant degree of devitalised tissue)
- metronidazole is now preferred to benzylpenicillin as the antibiotic of choice
