Tetanus : Symptoms and Prevention

What is the tetanus disease? Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, a bacterium forming exotoxin type strong neurotoxin that can cause the patient's death. This spore forming bacterium found widely spread in the world.

Germs that cause tetanus are rod-shaped bacteria slim with rounded edges, size 5x0,5 microns. Tetanus bacteria are Gram-positive, are motu, have flagella peritrich and does not form a capsule. Spherical spores located at the terminal which is stretched, thus giving an idea similar to forms of germs beater drum (drum-stick). Tetanus bacteria are absolutely anaerobic with his optimum temperature at 37 ° C. On the growth of bacteria in blood agar medium, colonies of bacteria showed a bulge edge irregular shape.

Transmission of tetanus, clostridial germ is normal flora that live in the intestines of humans and animals. In the form of spores, bacteria able to survive long in the ground. Infections caused by pollution of a small wound in the immediately closed again, so that later occurred anaerobic atmosphere. In the atmosphere of the tetanus bacteria multiply, forming tetanospasmin (a potent neurotoxin) that can reach the central nervous system via the motor nerve, then headed to the anterior portion of the spinal cord. Injuries to the central tau cutting time unsterile often cause tetanus in infants (neonatal tetanus).

Clinical symptoms of tetanus, after over an incubation period of between 3-21 days, the symptoms of tetanus may arise in the form of the painful muscle contractions, accompanied by trismus and stiff neck. Convulsive seizures followed abdominal wall muscles and other muscles that occur repeatedly if people are exposed to light or touch. If there hyperpyrexia, this is one sign of the deteriorating condition of the patient.
Tetanus deaths are high primarily due to the occurrence of respiratory disorders. The mortality rate was also higher in the neonatal tetanus incubation period less than 10 days.

Bacteriological examination is not performed on tetanus in humans, due to the isolation of germs and injured patients has been difficult to do due to the wound covered and usually the patient is no longer know exactly where the wound he had ever experienced.

Handling tetanus, every injury that occurs should be treated with a balk, especially small wounds and in (eg nail punctured wounds). Small wound should be excised and any foreign body that was found to be removed from the wound.

Antibiotics are given to eradicate the tetanus bacteria and prevent the formation of spores. To speed healing, can be given so that the hyperbaric oxygen in the atmosphere of aerobic bacteria tetanus will die.

Patients who already showing early symptoms of tetanus should be treated immediately by giving tetanus serum with steroids for example betamethasone, and given supportive treatment, and anti-seizure medication to cope with frequent convulsions.

Prevention of tetanus, to prevent tetanus, all wounds must be treated and cleaned. Antibiotics should be given to quickly disinfect tetanus toxin so that the formation can be prevented.

Immunization with tetanus toxoid (vaccination) is scheduled in childhood can reduce mortality due to tetanus. Against tetanus patients who have never been vaccinated against tetanus passive immunization can be done by providing specific immunoglobulin

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