Localized tetanus

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Localized tetanus

December 27, 2018

Localized tetanus

Localized tetanus is a form of tetanus that is restricted to a localized area of the body -- the site of entry of the Clostridium tetani bacteria.

Localized tetanus

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

In localized tetanus, the tetanospasmin, the neurotoxin produced by the bacteria, does not spread to the central nervous system. This form of tetanus is rare.

Sign and symptoms of localized tetanus includes weakness of the affected site and localized painful muscle contraction of the area.

Tetanus is not a communicable disease. Infection can occur when the bacteria Clostridium tetani contaminates burn, cuts, and wound. Deep wounds and improper wound care provides a suitable environment for Clostridium tetani growth.

Clostridium tetani, the bacteria responsible for causing tetanus, is an obligate anaerobe which means it can only grown in an environment where their is an absense of air. Deep wounds, dead tissues, and poorly debride wound offers a viable condition for these bacteria.

In up to 25% of tetanus cases, there is no identifiable wound or site of entry. However, if there is, wounds from which the localized tetanus originated may present with signs and symptoms of inflammation (pain, redness, swelling) and presence of drainage.

17 Interesting Facts about Clostridium tetani

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17 Interesting Facts about Clostridium tetani

December 24, 2018

17 Interesting Facts about Clostridium tetani

Clostridium tetani is the bacteria responsible for causing tetanus in humans. Here are interesting facts about this deadly bacteria.

17 Interesting Facts about Clostridium tetani

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

1. Tetanus is a disease caused by a bacteria (Clostridium tetani) that targets the nervous system. In fact, Clostridium tetani can cause 4 types of tetanus:

1. Generalized tetanus is the most common form in which the infection spreads throughout the body.
2. Localized tetanus only affects the area near the site of C. tetani entry.
3. Cephalic tetanus involves the muscle of the face and is very painful.
4. Neonatal tetanus afflicts newborn babies and has a high fatality rate.

2. Clostridium tetani is a rod-shaped, gram positive bacteria.

3. Clostridium tetani is a bacteria that moves using rotary flagellum.

4. The word "clostridium" is derived from the Greek word "kloster" which means spindle.

5. Clostridium tetani spores are resistant to heat and can survive in the soil for several months up to years.

6. Contrary to popular beliefs, Clostridium tetani don't exclusively thrive in rusty nails.

7. Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease.

8. Tetanus is not contagious. Clostridium tetani isn't passed from direct person to person contact.

9. Clostridium tetani enters the human body through cuts, laceration, burn, and other wound.

10. In the presence of oxygen, Clostridium tetani bacteria turns into an endospore.

11. Spores or inactive form of Clostridium tetani is commonly found in soil, dust, and animal manure which gets activated when put in an anaerobic environment. As clostridium tetani grows, they release a lethal toxin called tetanospasmin.

12. Tetanospasmin spreads throughout the body through the cardiovascular and lymphatic system.

13. Clostridium tetani grows only in an environment where there is no air (obligate anaerobe).

14. Dead cells provide a suitable environment were Clostridium tetani can grown.

15. The toxin released by Clostridium tetani binds to nerve endings and stimulates uncontrollable muscle contraction. These muscle spasms can be so strong that it can literally break bones.

16. A study reveals that the most effective antibiotic to kill Clostridium tetani is sparfloxacin. Ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, eythromycin, gentamycin, metronidazole, penicillin G, and tetracycline also kills the bacteria.

17. Clostridium tetani belongs to the genus Clostridium to which also includes Clostridium botulinum (causative agent of botulism) and Clostridium difficile (an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that causes diarrhea.