Tetanus

Tetanus is a serious and often fatal disease caused by the exotoxin tetanospasmin which is produced by the Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani.

Related Topics:
Disease - Exotoxin - Tetanospasmin - Gram-positive - Anaerobic - Bacterium - Clostridium tetani

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Tetanus also refers to a state of muscle tension.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It was first documented by Hippocrates, and records dating back to the 5th century BCE provide countless clinical observations of the disease. However, the etiology of the disease was not discovered until 1884 by Carle and Rattone. Passive tetanus immunisation was first implemented during World War I.

Related Topics:
Hippocrates - BCE - Etiology - 1884 - Carle - Rattone - Immunisation - World War I

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bacilli of C. tetani can be found in soil (especially agricultural soil), and the intestines and feces of horses, sheep, cattle, rats, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and chickens. Spores are found in manure-treated soil, skin surfaces (of both animals and humans), under nail-beds, and in contaminated heroin.

Related Topics:
Bacilli - Soil - Intestines - Feces - Horse - Sheep - Cattle - Rat - Dog - Cat - Guinea pig - Chicken - Spores - Heroin

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There are four different clinical forms of tetanus: local (uncommon), cephalic (rare), generalized (most common), and neonatal (a common cause of infant mortality in underdeveloped countries). Generalized tetanus accounts for 80% of tetanus cases.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~