Tetanus (Lockjaw) Disease

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is an acute, often fatal disease that is characterised by generalised increased rigidity and convulsive spasms of skeletal muscles.

Tetanus is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Clostridium tetani. C. tetani spores (the dormant form of the organism) are found in soil and in animal and human feces. The spores enter the body through breaks in the skin, and germinate under low oxygen conditions. Puncture wounds and wounds with a significant amount of tissue injury are more likely to promote germination. The vegetative organisms excrete the potent toxin tetanospasmin into the bloodstream. The toxin then reaches the nervous system, causing painful and often violent muscular contractions. The muscle stiffness usually first involves the jaw (lockjaw) and neck, and later becomes generalised.

Tetanus is a noncommunicable disease -- it is not transmitted from one person to another.

Symptoms of tetanus

Early symptoms: lockjaw, stiffness in the neck and abdomen, and difficulty swallowing.

Later symptoms: fever, elevated blood pressure, and severe muscle spasms.

Death in about 11% of cases, especially people over age 60.

Is there a vaccine to prevent tetanus?

Yes. Tetanus toxoid (contained in DTaP, DT, and Td vaccines) can prevent this disease.

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