Can Rusty Nails Cause Tetanus?

Discussion Clostridium tetani is a gram-positive bacillus that is anaerobic and spore forming. Tetanus spores are found universally worldwide in the soil and the stool of animals and people. The spores are hardy and can persist in a variety of environments. Contamination through the skin in wounds (especially deep puncture wounds) and the umbilicus are the primary entry points. It is not unusual for the organism not to grow in cultures. The bacteria grow in low oxygen environments and produces a potential neurotoxin which blocks the myoneural junction. Incubation period is 3-21 days, averaging 10 days. Neonatal tetanus generally start with crying and feeding problems 3-7 days after birth (can be up to 28 days) with progression to spasms. Tetanus symptoms occur gradually over 1-7 days and can progress to opisthotonus. These spasms are often provoked by external stimuli. Death can occur because of diaphragmatic spasm and laryngospasm. The spasms persist for about 1 week and then subside over a period of weeks in those who recover. Death can occur because of diaphragmatic spasm and laryngospasm. It is fatal without treatment and even with treatment has a death rate of 10-20%. With immunization tetanus is almost 100% preventable. Tetanus is not transmitted person to person and herd immunity cannot help prevent the disease. Parents must be educated and advised of the seriousness of the disease. Immunity is not lifelong. Everyone should receive a primary series, and at least a boos...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news