Tetanus, otherwise known as lockjaw, is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, which can be found in dust, dirt and feces.
Due to childhood immunization, tetanus is rare in the United States; only about 50 cases per year are reported. However, when tetanus runs its course, it is fatal nearly 50 percent of the time. Approximately one million infants in developing countries die of tetanus per year due to poor hygiene.
Tetanus is most likely to settle in deep puncture wounds, that do not bleed or receive oxygen, however, tetanus can infect burns, or minors cuts, abrasions, and blisters.
When tetanus infects a wound, it releases a toxin called tetanospasmin into the blood that travels to the brain. Once in the brain, it affects muscle control and interferes with respiration.
Although tetanus affects several muscles groups in the body, it primarily affects the jaw muscles, hence the nickname lockjaw. Early symptoms of lockjaw include stiffness in the jaw, neck, and limbs. As the disease progresses, the jaws become firmly closed.
Other advanced symptoms of tetanus include rigidity in the muscles of the back and abdomen, painful seizures and difficulty swallowing. Tetanus is fatal when the muscles involved with respiration are affected.
Tetanus must be treated immediately. Patients with tetanus are hospitalized and given a toxin-neutralizing injection. Some patients may also require intravenous penicillin and removal of infected tissue. To reduce muscle spasms, doctors often administer muscle relaxants. To assist in breathing, many patients require a ventilator.
Tetanus is prevented with active immunization via the DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) vaccine in children. Children receive five doses starting at age two months and ending at age six. tetanus booster shots, which cause the body to produce antibodies to the bacteria, are recommended for adults every 10 years.
Another effective way to prevent tetanus is to clean wounds, such as scrapes, cuts, and scratches as thoroughly as possible with soap and water.
