Describe the four different types of tetanus and the causes

Describe the four different types of tetanus and the causes, prevention, and treatment

Solution

Tetanus

Types of tetanus

Prophylaxis

Tetanus is a preventable disease. As the spores are ubiquitous, wound contaminaton in unavoidable. The disease is due to the action of the toxin, and hence, the obvious and most dependable method of prevention is to build up antitoxic immunity by active immunisation.

Treatment

Treatment consists of controlling spasms, maintaining airway by tracheostomy with intermittent positive pressure respiration and attention to feeding. Human TIG 10,000 IU suitably diluted may be given by slow IV infusion, followed, if needed, by another 5000 IU later. Antibacterial therapy with penicilin or metronidazole should be started at one and continued for a week or more. ATS used to be given intravenously in massive doses as part of the treatment. Patients recovering from tetanus should receive a full course of active immunisation, as an attack of the disease does not confer immunity. Second attacks of tetanus have been recognised.