Tetanus

Tetanus: a dangerous infectious disease

Tetanus is a dangerous infectious disease caused by Clostridia tetani, which is characterized by damage to the nervous system and spasms of skeletal muscles. The causative agent of tetanus is very persistent in the environment and can remain viable in the soil for more than a year. The pathogenic effect of clostridia is carried out due to tetanus exotoxin, which affects the spinal cord, medulla oblongata and brain stem.

The method of transmission of tetanus is that the pathogen enters the body through skin injuries, such as wounds on the feet. However, tetanus can also occur with other types of injuries, such as burns, abortions, and also when the sterility of suture material, especially catgut, is compromised. It is worth noting that when the pathogen enters the gastrointestinal tract, tetanus does not develop, since the exotoxin cannot penetrate the mucous membrane.

There are two types of tetanus: general and local. General tetanus is more common and develops 5-14 days after infection. Often before the onset of the clinical picture, the patient experiences a prodromal period, which may manifest itself as headache, irritability, or muscle twitching around the wound.

One of the earliest symptoms of tetanus is trismus, which manifests itself as spasm of the chewing muscles and inability to open the mouth. This is followed by tonic spasms of the facial muscles, which give the patient’s face a peculiar expression – a sardonic smile (the forehead is wrinkled, the mouth is stretched, the corners of the mouth are downturned). Muscle spasms spread from top to bottom and affect the muscles of the pharynx, neck, upper and lower extremities, as well as the torso. If the pharynx is affected, swallowing becomes difficult, and if all muscles are affected, the patient becomes completely immobilized, opisthotonus develops - due to tension in the back muscles, the patient bends into an arch, resting only the back of his head and heels on the bed. Against this background, painful tetanic convulsions occur.

During convulsions, metabolism increases, body temperature rises to 41-42 °C, and the body becomes covered in profuse sweat. Spasms of the respiratory muscles and diaphragm impair breathing, leading to death. Cramps make it impossible to urinate or defecate. If you suspect tetanus, you should consult a doctor immediately. Diagnosis of the disease is based on the clinical picture and analysis of the patient’s medical history. Treatment of tetanus consists of specific therapy, which includes the administration of tetanus antitoxin, antibiotics and symptomatic therapy to eliminate seizures and other manifestations of the disease.

Prevention of tetanus involves vaccination. Primary vaccination is carried out in childhood, and then repeated vaccinations are required at certain intervals. It is also necessary to ensure that any skin breaks, especially on the legs, are properly treated and protected from infection.

In conclusion, tetanus is a dangerous infectious disease that can lead to death if not treated promptly. Taking preventative measures such as vaccinations and wound protection will help reduce the risk of contracting tetanus. If you suspect tetanus, see your doctor as soon as possible to get the treatment you need.

Tetanus is a very serious disease. It can be fatal not only for humans, but also for animals. Anyone can get it, even a person with 100% immunity to this disease. There are many symptoms of tetanus. These include everything you listed. All these symptoms are only minor. The most dangerous and terrible consequence of tetanus is paralysis at the level of the respiratory center. As a result, the chance of dying is 75%. You may be incapacitated if you have a full-body stroke (which may not be fatal)