Cause and Treatment of Tetnus

Tetnus is caused by bacteria or germs that get into your body through a wound, e.g. a cut or an animal bite. You are more at risk of developing tetnus if the wound is deep or if it gets dirty with soil or manure. However, even small wounds such as a prick from a thorn can allow enough bacteria to get into your body to cause tetnus. Once the bacteria is inside your body, it releases a toxin which then causes tetnus. Tetnus affects your nerves and can be fatal.

The first and probably the only sign of tetnus is a spasm of the muscles nearest to the infected wound. Note that once the toxin gets into your bloodstream, other symptoms will start. The most common early sign is a spasm of the chewing muscles which makes it very hard to open your mouth. Spasms can then occur in your throat muscles, making it difficult to swallow. This can be followed by spasms in the facial muscles which make you look as though you are grinning.
The spasms may also spread to other muscles, neck, chest, stomach, arms and legs. In children, the spasm may spread to the back and their backs become strongly arched backwards. Other symptoms include extreme sensitivity to touch, high fever, sore throat, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, headache, bleeding into the bowels, and diarrhoea.

The treatment for tetnus is to remove the damaged and contaminated muscle surgically. However, if tetnas has become established, antibodies are used to work against the toxin. Large doses of antibiotic drugs will be given. In order to survive tetanus, it is essential that breathing and nutrition are carefully maintained. An intake of 3500-4000 calories, with at least 100g of protein, is often taken in liquid form via a tube.

The best and probably only way to tetnus is to be immunised by receiving 5 doses of vaccine which will enable your body to create antibodies against tetnus. All children are routinely offered tetnus immunization. As an adult, if you are not sure whether or not you have been fully immunised, you should see your GP to get their advise.