Tetanus

Tetanus is a neurological disease that is characterized by spastic paralysis. This disease is due to a toxin, tetanus toxin (TeNT), which is produced by the anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium tetani . Tetanus is the result of wound contamination with C. tetani spores from the environment. Deep wounds with a little exposure to air and the presence of necrotic tissues, both ensuring anaerobic conditions, favor spore germination. Although most animal species are susceptible to tetanus, there is considerable variation in susceptibility among species. The most susceptible species are horses, guinea pigs, monkeys, sheep, mice, goats, and humans, whereas carnivores such as cats and dogs are less vulnerable, and birds are resistant. No gross and microscopic changes, except those related to the entry wound, when found, are seen in the carcasses of animals dying of tetanus. The diagnosis of tetanus is usually based on the clinical observation of the characteristic spastic paralytic signs. No circulating TeNT can usually be found in the blood of animals with tetanus. Detection of C. tetani by culture or PCR in infected wound material, and observation of gram-positive bacilli with terminal spores in smears of this material supports, but does not confirm, the diagnosis. Prevention consists of hygiene and immunization with formaldehyde-inactivated TeNT. No specific treatment is available for tetanus.