I. Introduction
Tetanus, often known by its physical manifestation of spastic paralysis, is one of the most globally prevalent diseases of humans and vertebrate animals. It has been recorded in countless different geographical locations throughout numerous centuries. It produces the second most poisonous substance known, Tetanospasmin, with a human lethal dose of approximately 1 ng/kg (Bruggeman, CDC). The causative agent of this disease is caused by Clostridium tetani, a gram-positive, anaerobic bacillary bacterium (CDC). Although C. tetani is being be controlled by immunization, the World Health Organization still reports an estimated of 400,000 cases occur each year, with a great number being neonatal infections (Bruggeman). By studying …show more content…
The advantages of this outer membrane include protecting the bacteria from dyes and various antibiotics that would normally attach and damage the inner membrane. Although rod-shaped, when in the presence of oxygen, C. tetani changes into its endospore conformation, which closely resembles a drumstick or tennis racket (Bruggeman). In addition, C. tetani are motile bacteria and move by the use of a rotary flagellum. The flagellum are positioned in a peritrichous orientation. Thus, the numerous flagella that emerge randomly on the cell’s surface join together in bundles to propel it forward, and then untangle to tumble and change …show more content…
The incubation period is anywhere from 3 to 21 days, with the average being about eight days. The incubation period is dependent on how far the wound is from the central nervous system. If the site is far from the central nervous system, then the incubation period is longer. Also, the farther the wound, probability of death lowers because of the longer incubation period. Once the spores germinate, both of the toxins are produced and dispersed throughout the body. The toxins act at several different area within the central nervous system, and in the sympathetic nervous system. Tetanospasmin starts to interfere with the release of neurotransmitters, blocking inhibitory impulses. The result is unopposed muscle contraction and spasm (CDC).
Epidemiology
Although tetanus occurs worldwide, it is most frequently found in densely populated regions in hot, damp climates, especially if the soil is rich in organic matter or treated with manure. While mostly found in the soil, they can also be found inside the intestines of animals and humans. Transmission of tetanus is primarily by contaminated wounds. Fortunately for mammals, tetanus is not contagious from host to host. The CDC states, “It is the only vaccine-preventable disease that is infectious but not contagious” (CDC)
IX.