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Clostridium Tetani Symptoms

Clostridium tetani is a type of bacteria that releases a toxin into the bloodstream and causes a disease known as tetanus. According to the Mayo Clinic, tetanus is a serious medical condition that can result in death, even in people who receive treatment.

  1. Types

    • Symptoms of tetanus infections include spasms in the muscles of the face; facial and neck stiffness; difficulty breathing; fever; trouble swallowing; difficulty in swallowing; sweating; increased blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat.

    Time Frame

    • Symptoms of tetanus infectious usually develop within 3 to 21 days after infection, and can last for several months.

    Risk Factors

    • People who experience a puncture wound or surface wound that gets soil inside of it and fail to properly clean the wound are at an increased risk of developing symptoms of tetanus.

    Treatments

    • Treatments for tetanus symptoms include injection of tetanus immune globulin, prescription antibiotics and supportive therapy for people with breathing or swallowing problems.

    Prevention/Solution

    • The most effective way to prevent symptoms of tetanus is to get vaccinated during childhood, and make sure that vaccinations are repeated every 10 years during adulthood.

    Fun Fact

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control, tetanus is also referred to as "lockjaw" because a stiff or "locked up" jaw is often one of the earliest symptoms of infection.

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