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Questions and Answers
What is the characteristic grimace associated with tetanus called?
What is the characteristic grimace associated with tetanus called?
What is the primary organism responsible for tetanus?
What is the primary organism responsible for tetanus?
Which of the following is NOT a common portal of entry for tetanus?
Which of the following is NOT a common portal of entry for tetanus?
What type of immunity does infection with tetanus confer?
What type of immunity does infection with tetanus confer?
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Which of the following is a method of control for tetanus infections?
Which of the following is a method of control for tetanus infections?
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Which group is most prone to tetanus infections?
Which group is most prone to tetanus infections?
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What is the ideal administration method for the Tetanus toxoid vaccine?
What is the ideal administration method for the Tetanus toxoid vaccine?
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What is the estimated number of deaths from neonatal tetanus that could have been prevented by vaccination?
What is the estimated number of deaths from neonatal tetanus that could have been prevented by vaccination?
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Study Notes
Tetanus Overview
- Tetanus is an acute disease causing muscle stiffness, spasms, and fever.
- Untreated cases have a high fatality rate.
- A characteristic symptom is a peculiar grimace called "risus sardonicus".
Epidemiology
- Tetanus is widespread globally, but less prevalent in developed countries.
- It's more common in rural areas, particularly on farms.
- Farmers are disproportionately affected.
Microbiology
- The causative agent is Clostridium tetani.
- It's a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium.
- It's an obligate anaerobe (requires an oxygen-free environment) and forms terminal spores.
Transmission
- Transmission occurs through wounds, including the umbilical cord in newborns.
- Animal bites can also be a source.
Reservoir
- Humans are the reservoir for C. tetani.
Portal of Entry
- Wounds are the primary portal of entry for C. tetani.
- Categories of wounds can be post-traumatic, post-puerperal, post-aboral, neonatal, post-surgical, chronic ulcers (with discharging sinuses), or of unknown/cryptogenic origin (wounds are not specified).
Diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis is often possible without specific tests.
- Isolating the bacteria from a wound doesn't always indicate active disease; it can be present without symptoms.
Control and Prevention
- Wound care: Thorough cleansing and management of wounds is crucial in preventing infection.
- Prophylactic antibiotics such as procaine penicillin: Used as a measure for treatment.
- Passive immunization (e.g., Tetanus Immunoglobulin (TIG)): Provides temporary immunity.
- Active immunization (e.g., tetanus toxoid vaccines): Builds long-term immunity through repeated doses, and recommended schedules.
- This includes pregnant women who require two doses of Tetanus Toxoid (TT) to prevent neonatal tetanus.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 270,000 deaths annually from neonatal tetanus—deaths preventable through immunizations.
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Description
Explore the critical aspects of Tetanus, an acute disease characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms. This quiz covers its epidemiology, microbiology, transmission methods, and the role of wounds as the primary entry points for the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Test your knowledge about this significant health issue.
