Tetanus: Symptoms and Prevention

The video provides an overview of tetanus, caused by Clostridium tetani, a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium. It discusses the transmission through wound contamination, the lethal nature of the tetanus toxin, and its mechanism of action, which leads to severe muscle contractions. The video also covers prevention strategies, including vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis, emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate antitoxin levels.

What type of bacteria causes tetanus?

• Escherichia coli

• Staphylococcus aureus

• Clostridium tetani

• Clostridium botulinum

Where is Clostridium tetani commonly found in nature?

• Water

• Air

• Soil

• Plants

What is the typical incubation period for tetanus?

• 1-3 days

• 6-10 days

• 1-2 months

• 2-4 weeks

How is tetanus primarily transmitted?

• Contamination of wounds

• Contaminated water

• Contaminated food

• Airborne particles

What is the most lethal toxin in the world?

• Ricin

• Botulinum toxin

• Sarin

• Tetanus toxin

What happens when tetanus toxin inhibits inhibitory interneurons?

• Muscle relaxation

• Increased neurotransmitter release

• Chronic muscle excitation

• Nerve cell death

What is the term for muscle contractions in the muscles of mastication caused by tetanus?

• Sardonic smile

• Trismus

• Spastic paralysis

• Opisthotonos

What is the minimum antitoxin level needed to prevent tetanus?

• 10 IU/ml

• 1 IU/ml

• 0.1 IU/ml

• 0.01 IU/ml

What should be given to a patient with a wound more than 10 years after their last tetanus vaccine?

• Single dose of tetanus toxoid and human tetanus immunoglobulin

• Single dose of tetanus toxoid

• Nothing

• Complete course of tetanus toxoid

Does immunization of one person prevent tetanus infection in another person?

• No

• Yes

• Only in adults

• Only in children