Tetanus is caused by infection with the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is found in soil, dirt, animal feces, and the environment. This bacterium is highly resistant to various environmental conditions and can withstand high temperatures. It thrives in oxygen-deprived environments. The bacteria enter the body through wounds and spread via the bloodstream to the central nervous system.
What are the symptoms of tetanus?
Once tetanus bacteria enter the body, they multiply rapidly and travel along nerves to the central nervous system. They produce a toxin called Tetanospasmin, which binds to nerves and disrupts the neural control of muscles, causing persistent muscle spasms. The incubation period is about 3–21 days before symptoms appear, including the following:
- Muscle pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back
- Intermittent muscle spasms beginning in the neck, jaw, facial muscles, back, chest, and abdomen; spasms worsen with environmental stimuli such as touch, sound, bright light, or wind
- Lockjaw, difficulty swallowing saliva, drooling
- High fever, sweating
- Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure
- Restlessness, irritability
If not diagnosed and treated appropriately, symptoms can rapidly worsen, leading to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and even death.
How is tetanus treated?
- If there is a wound, clean and care for it properly.
- Administer Tetanus Immunoglobulin (TIG) and appropriate antibiotics.
- Give tetanus vaccination if the patient is not fully immunized.
- Provide symptomatic relief, such as muscle relaxants and sedatives.
- Use mechanical ventilation for patients with breathing difficulty.
- Ensure adequate fluids and nutrition.
After receiving treatment, most patients gradually improve over several weeks. However, some may develop severe complications that can be fatal.
How can tetanus be prevented?
- Receive the full tetanus vaccination series and a booster every 10 years.
- When a wound occurs, promptly clean it with clean water and see a doctor for tetanus vaccination with tetanus antitoxin for high-risk wounds.
Contact the Surgery Department and the Infectious Disease Center at Synphaet Ramintra Hospital for online appointments or more information at 02-793-5000
