TETANUS

 

TETANUS

Causative organism

Bacillus and clostridium  tetani

Spread and incidence

In bacteria enter into the body through wounds caused by a plinter nails in to boot or garden fork and can also follows septic infection.

Incubation period

Usually 2 to 10 days early few weeks

Clinical features

1.      Non specific features – such as

·         Malaise

·         Fever

·         Sweating

·         Headache

·         Irritability

2.      Presenting symptoms

·         Trismus

·         Dysphagia

·         Rigidity of all the body muscles of the body

·         Muscle spasm may be brought on by moving the patient or even making noise resulting in sever sometimes

Complication

1.      Bronchopneumonia

2.      Asphyxia

Treatment

1.      After the diagnosis is suspected a single intravenous injection of immune serum containing 1000-3000 IU of anti toxin is given

2.      The wound is thoroughly cleaned

3.      Benzyl , Penicillin and Metronidazole is given to prevent secondary infection

4.      The patient is placed in a quite room with subdued lighting to prevent and control spasm

5.      Diazepam may be used to control muscle spasms

Immunization

Immunization with triple vaccine DPT which is combination of Diphtheria, Woophing cough,  Tetanus