Clostridium Tetanus: Life-Threatening Disease

Jalak Patel

Course: Microbiology

Prof: Ms. A Champa

Nov 12, 2015

Clostridium Tetanus

Tetanus is a life-threatening disease, associated with a type of bacterial that infection to nervous system, called Clostridium tetani. Its common name is lockjaw; symptom of the disease is stiffness and tightening of the jaw muscles. Tetanus is found in soil, animal feces, tetanus is spread by the spores entering the body through injury or wound. They can’t grow in the presence of oxygen, so they try to penetrate deep in the wound where oxygen supply is less. The spore releases the bacteria to cause poison in the body is called tetanus toxin. The poison can affect the spinal cord with severe muscle spasms. Tetanus can cause muscle tears or fractures of the

A 7 year old of Kakaonde tribe, seen at American church mission in Solwezi, Zambia. “He presented with a 3-day complaint of “a twisted neck” and the inability to eat or talk” (Drew, 2012, p 2). He companied of pain than the aunt noticed that his neck is on side. He was not able to eat or drink even non verbal, but followed direction. He had received the vaccine before 5 years old but not sure that the course was completed or not. The neurological assessment was not complete as he was not communicated. The right arm was weak than left “diagnose by the clinical right bicep brachii reflex elicited a spasm, which lasted several minute before relaxing” (Drew, 2012 p 3). There was “nuchal rigidity and right side bent. His abdominal was distended; mild diaphoretic, sole of the feet thick callused” (Drew, 2012 p 3). As per the above symptoms the tetanus was seen in pharyngeal and upper right extremity spasms. He was transferred to the hospital for further treatment even for his secondary finding of anemia, ascariasis. In Africa Ascaris lumbracoides are very common among school going children’s. “To reduce the patient's pain and rigidity diazepam was given and IV every 2 hours as needed” (Drew, 2012 p 4). Even malaria test was done, but it was negative. The family members of Chipo’s were educated for the importance of immunizing the child regularly for better health.

Normally tetanus is diagnosis by physical examination and medical history. Tetanus is treated by antibiotics, bed rest with dim light and stable temperature. Even breathing treatment, wound care for removing poison debridement. Tetanus can be prevented by taking vaccination every 10 year, with tetanus booster with injury or wound. It is very important to keep up with vaccinations; whether it is in infancy, adults or traveling; even educating people about the consequences of the