Lockjaw

Lockjaw or Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that leads to stiffness in the muscles throughout the body. It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is found in soil, dust, and animal feces. When this bacterium enters a deep flesh wound, spores of the bacteria can produce a powerful toxin, tetanospasmin, which impairs the nerves that control your muscles (motor neurons). The effect of the toxin on your nervous system can lead to severe muscle stiffness and spasms — the major signs of tetanus.

Symptoms

The incubation period for tetanus is typically seven to eight days but may range from three days to several weeks. The most common initial symptom is spasm of the muscles of the jaw, or "lockjaw". Other symptoms include headache, sudden muscle stiffness or spasms often in the stomach, difficulty swallowing, fever and sweating, high blood pressure, and an accelerated heartbeat.

Prevention

Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination with tetanus toxoid. The World Health Organization recommends that all children receive this vaccination as part of their routine immunizations. Adults should receive a booster shot every ten years.

Treatment

Treatment for tetanus involves wound care, medications to control symptoms and sometimes intensive care treatment. Tetanus immune globulin is given to neutralize the toxin that the bacteria have produced in the body. Antibiotics are given to kill the bacteria.

See also

• Diphtheria
• Pertussis
• Tetanus vaccine