Tetanus

Question 1

pathogen type

Answer 1

bacteria

Question 2

life cycle of the pathogen

Answer 2

Entry via deep wound; replication in tissue in a deep wound in the absence of oxygen; the neurotoxins travel up inhibitory neurotransmitters in the CNS.

Question 3

reproductive method of pathogen

Question 4

mode of transmission of tetanus

Answer 4

Direct contact between soil reservoir and deep puncture wound.

Indirect (mostly)
Usually through injuries + from contaminated objects (ie. Dirt, feaces, spit)
Neonatal infection common in areas with poor birthing facilities

Question 5

symptoms of pathogen

Answer 5

sustained, server muscle contractions due to blocking of nerve impulses by tetanus toxin

Incubation period usually 3 – 21 days
Quicker symptoms = more severe infection
Affects neurons that release inhibitory neurotransmitters (blocks release)
Symptoms
Muscle spasms, inability to open mouth, swallowing problems, breathing difficulties, painful convulsions, abnormal heart rhythms

Question 6

tetanus pathogen name

Answer 6

clostridium tetani

Question 7

method of invasion

Answer 7

Conditions in wound well suited to anaerobic needs
Bacteria grow + ferment, releasing small amounts of TeTx
Toxin mainly released during stationary phase of growth (most not freed until cell lysis)
Distributed to motor neurons via blood stream
Can move within axons to reach CNS

Question 8

evolutionary adaptations

Answer 8

Have 2 life stages
Vegetative: anaerobic (can’t stand oxygen, but works when in wound)
Sporular: can withstand environmental extremes
Can parasitize host using secretions to degrade organic material for fermentation
Reproduce via binary fission

Question 9

Factors Affecting Spread

Answer 9

Found frequently in densely populated areas with hot, damp climates
More common in developing nations where there are contaminated medical supplies
Agricultural workers at high risk
Occurrence decreased mainly with introduction of vaccine

Question 10

maangement stratergies - treatment

Answer 10

Penicillin / antibiotics
Kill bacteria
Cleaning wound + removing dead tissue
Muscle relaxants
To treat muscle spasms
Respiratory system support sometimes required

Question 11

management stratergies - prevention

Answer 11

Vaccination, followed by boosters every 10 years (especially for expecting mothers)
Immediate + proper wound care
Sterile hospital conditions
Immediate tetanus immunoglobulin for patients without x3 vaccinations and who have a wound after natural disastor