Tetanus Chronic

Tetanus is an acute infectious disease characterized by progressive muscle swelling with subsequent development of trismus, seizures and a high risk of death. Tetanus bacillus produces an exotoxin (tetanus toxin) that blocks acetylcholinesterase activity. Symptoms of the disease include headache, convulsions, impaired consciousness, cough and hoarseness. Diagnosis of the disease is carried out based on the results of bacteriological examination of biomaterial (tumor, pus). Treatment occurs by administering anti-tetanus serum or specific immunoglobulin and antibiotics to the patient, as well as eliminating the consequences of the disease. For tetanus, it is necessary to observe strict bed rest, monitor proper nutrition and hygiene, and carry out symptomatic and supportive therapy. Compliance with precautions can reduce the likelihood of illness, but even those who have been ill before need to be vaccinated. The potential for reinfection is important, especially for weakened patients, so revaccination is recommended for them. Tetanus is particularly dangerous for children, since most deaths from this infection occur in this category of the population. Specific prevention of the disease consists of repeated administration of the vaccine at the dosage prescribed by the doctor after a certain period of time in order to eliminate the negative effects of pathogenic microflora and develop lasting immunity. It should also be taken into account that vaccination is effective only in adults who have not received the vaccine before, and only if they seek medical help in a timely manner.

Tetanus: chronic

Tetanus is an acute bacterial disease caused by Clostridium tetanus. The chronic form of tetanus occurs when the body is re-infected with this infection. With chronic tetanus, symptoms may develop several years after the first infection. In such a situation, the disease may worsen periodically and be more severe than usual. Below you will learn more about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of chronic tetanus.

Causes of Chronic Tetanus

Chronic tetanus is caused by repeated bacterial infection with Clostridia tetanus in a previously infected body. The likelihood of developing a chronic form of tetanus increases with late diagnosis and inadequate treatment of the early stage of the disease. Repeated infections with Clostridium tetanus occur in the same people who are carriers of Clostridium tetanus (so-called “bacterial shedding”), as well as in people who have not completed a full course of antibiotic therapy for tetanus or a vaccine. In other words: the chronic form occurs due to violation of personal hygiene rules and failure to comply with disease prevention.

Symptoms of Chronic Tetanus

Symptoms of the chronic form of the disease may not appear in the early stages, but subsequently appear depending on the severity of the disease. Common symptoms include severe headaches, stiff neck and neck, chills and fever, myalgia and cramps, sensitivity to noise and light, unexplained fatigue and weakness. Local symptoms also differ: high body temperature, redness of the skin, loss of weight and appetite, lymph nodes, enlarged and painful.

If treatment is not carried out, complications may develop, such as heart failure, gastrointestinal dysfunction and infectious-toxic shock, which can be fatal. All this leads to the development of a severe form of chronic infection, which requires long-term treatment and care for the patient.

Treatment of Chronic Tetanus Treatment of chronic tetanus infection should begin with early recognition of symptoms and prescribing antibiotics to prevent complications. To accurately diagnose the disease, the patient must undergo comprehensive medical examinations that will help identify the source of infection and the severity of the disease. If signs of a suprasive state are detected, it is necessary to immediately begin artificial ventilation and administer analgesics to reduce pain. With each subsequent exacerbation of the chronic form of the disease, the treatment prognosis becomes less favorable. However, timely seeking medical help, a sufficient amount of supportive substances and constant care for the patient give a high chance of recovery.