The pathogenesis of tetanus is as follows: Clostridium tetani (C. tetani) spores usually enter the body through a wound or breach in the skin. In the presence of anaerobic conditions, the spores germinate and produce two toxins: oxygen-labile hemolysin also called tetanolysin, and a plasmid-encoded,Read more
The pathogenesis of tetanus is as follows: Clostridium tetani (C. tetani) spores usually enter the body through a wound or breach in the skin. In the presence of anaerobic conditions, the spores germinate and produce two toxins: oxygen-labile hemolysin also called tetanolysin, and a plasmid-encoded, heat-labile neurotoxin called tetanospasmin. The plasmid carrying the gene for tetanospasmin is non-conjugative. The toxin binds to nerve endings at the site of injury and is transported by retrograde axonal flow to the spinal cord. The toxin then blocks the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters, leading to unopposed muscle contraction.
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Tetanus affects the nerves that control your muscles, which can lead to difficulty swallowing. You may also experience spasms and stiffness in various muscles, especially those in your jaw, abdomen, chest, back, and neck. The incubation period — the time between exposure to the bacteria and the onseRead more
Tetanus affects the nerves that control your muscles, which can lead to difficulty swallowing. You may also experience spasms and stiffness in various muscles, especially those in your jaw, abdomen, chest, back, and neck.
The incubation period — the time between exposure to the bacteria and the onset of illness — is between 3 and 21 days. Symptoms typically appear within 14 daysTrusted Source of initial infection. Infections that occur faster after exposure are typically more severe and have a worse prognosis.
Other common tetanus symptoms are:
fast heart rate
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sweating
high blood pressure