Tetanus
Tetanus is a rare but life-threatening neurological disease caused by tetanospasmin from Clostridium tetani in a wound; recognise it clinically, give urgent hospital treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis according to the current UKHSA wound algorithm, and prevent it with the five-dose vaccine schedule.
Definition
Tetanus is an acute neurological disease caused by tetanospasmin produced by Clostridium tetani after spores enter a wound. The toxin blocks inhibitory neurotransmission and causes trismus, rigidity, painful spasms and autonomic dysfunction; it is preventable through vaccination and correct wound prophylaxis.
First principles
A wound creates the conditions for toxin production
Clostridium tetani is an anaerobic, spore-forming environmental bacterium. Spores can enter through contaminated punctures, burns, bites, devitalised tissue, injecting drug use or small unnoticed wounds. Germination in low-oxygen tissue produces tetanospasmin; the wound may look unimpressive while the neurological disease progresses.
This page is exam revision material, not medical advice, and must not be used for patient care. Always check drug doses against the BNF and current guidance. Full disclaimer.