Tetanus:
● Tetanus is an acute bacterial disease caused by the neurotoxin tetanospasmin (also known
as tetanus toxin) elaborated by Clostridium tetani
● It is characterized by generalized rigidity and convulsive spasms of skeletal muscle
● The muscle stiffness usually involves the jaw (lockjaw) and then becomes generalized
: round terminal spores gives cells “drumstick” or “tennis racket” appearance
Clostridium tetani are often found in soil, manure and dead leaves, where they can survive for
years in the form of spores, even amidst extreme heat or dryness.
Spore: a reproductive cell produced by some plants and simple organisms such as ferns and
mushrooms: bào tử
: soil
: manure
: dead leaves
Pathogenesis:
Tetanus is caused when spores of the anaerobic bacteria called Clostridium tetani enter your
bloodstream through a break in your skin, such as cuts or abrasions.
Anaerobic: without oxygen: kỵ khí, yếm khí
Once in the body, under anaerobic conditions, the spores begin to germinate, producing a colony
of growing bacteria.
Germinate: begin to grow rapidly: phát triển, sinh sôi
This process releases several toxins, including deadly tetanus toxin. The toxin interferes with the
release of inhibitory neurotransmitters. And when nerve endings soak up this toxin, drawing it to
the CNS, it wreaks havoc on interneurons.
CNS (abbreviation for Central Nervous System): the main system of nerve control in a living
thing, including the brain and the spinal cord: hệ thần kinh trung ương
Typically, these interneurons work alongside motor neurons to regulate our muscle actions, from
endeavors as complex as kicking a ball to those as simple as breathing. But by blocking inhibitory
neurotransmitters released by interneurons, tetanus toxin causes uncontrollable muscle
contractions and spasms. The spasms can be so powerful that it can even tear muscles and break
bones.
Typically within 7 to 10 days of infection, patients begin experiencing general aches, trouble
swallowing and lockjaw. The first muscles affected are the facial and jaw muscles because of their
short nerve pathways. This condition is commonly referred to as lockjaw or trismus.
As the toxin spreads, strong muscle groups become more rigid, leading to a frightening arching of
the back. Left untreated, these spasms become more extreme, eventually seizing the muscles in
the windpipe and chest, leading patients to suffocate within 72 hours of symptoms appearing.
Unlike other common bacterial infections like tuberculosis and strep throat, tetanus doesn’t pass
from person to person. The only way you can get it is through an opening on your skin.
However, there’s no cure for tetanus. Once the spores invade your body, it can only be managed.
That’s why the best time to tackle Clostridium tetani is before an infection even takes place.
Tetanus vaccine - originally developed in the early 1920s - are crucial to preventing tetanus and
stopping its spread. It is first given as part of the DPT vaccine (diphtheria, pertussis (whooping
cough), and tetanus (lockjaw)). Experts recommend a series of shots and boosters beginning at
two months old and ending at around age 12. But as a adult, it is important to get booster shots
every 10 years to stay protected
Booster shots: liều bổ sung
: diphtheria
pertussis (whooping cough)
tetanus
: DPT vaccine
