What Are the Treatments for Clostridium Tetani?

Clostridium tetani is a bacterial spore that contains a toxin that causes tetanus, which stiffens your jaw and other muscles, leading to spasms that can interfere with breathing. The bacteria usually enter the skin through a wound and begin to interfere with the nerves responsible for muscle function. You will need to go to the hospital for treatment.

General Treatment Information

• Tetanus is a serious infection and treatment is not always effective. While a standard treatment protocol exists, it does not work the same in everyone. Despite medical care, tetanus can be a fatal. Treatment comprises of medication and supportive care. Hospitalization usually lasts at least a month. If you survive the infection, you will most likely recover completely with no lasting effects. If you present complications, your doctor will let you know what follow-up care or testing you need.

When to Seek Treatment

• Symptoms of tetanus manifest anywhere from three days to three weeks after the bacteria has entered your body through a wound. On average, symptoms appear about eight days after the infection begins. If you have recently experienced a deep wound, seek medical attention immediately if you experience spasms and stiffness of the jaw, neck, abdomen, chest or back; difficulty swallowing; or difficulty breathing. You might also experience fever and muscle irritability.

Medication

• Tetanus immune globulin, or TIG, is a medication that provides your body with antibodies to fight the infection, protecting your body and giving it time to make its own antibodies against tetanus. It is injected directly into the muscle. This medication is always used for an active tetanus infection.

  Antibiotics help kill the bacteria. Penicillin G is the most commonly used antibiotic for tetanus infection. You might receive it orally or intravenously.

Supportive Care

• If you have a tetanus infection, you will most likely be in the hospital's intensive care unit ,where you will be receive drugs that will sedate you and relax your muscles. These medications can interfere with breathing, and you might need a ventilator temporarily. Phenobarbitol and Diazepam are the most commonly prescribed sedatives, and Lioresal and Dantrium are the most commonly used muscle relaxants for tetanus infection.

  The wound responsible for the infection will be debrided, which involves removing infected skin and a healthy margin of surrounding tissue, usually 2 centimeters. This normally occurs a few hours after the TIG is administered to reduce the risk of the toxin spreading further through the bloodstream. You will be fed intravenously.

Vaccination

• While you are being treated, you will also receive the tetanus vaccine to prevent future infections.

  A tetanus vaccine is usually administered to children along with shots for diphtheria and pertussis. This combination vaccine is given in five shots at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months and again at 4 to 6. A booster shot is recommended between the ages of 11 and 18; adults are advised to get a booster every 10 years.

Wound Care

• If you get a wound, certain measures can prevent a tetanus infection. Clean the wound thoroughly with clean water and soap. Seek medical attention if anything is lodged in the wound. Use a topical antibiotic and cover the wound to protect it from infection. Change your bandages at least once a day, or if it becomes wet or dirty.

  Certain injuries put you at an increased risk of tetanus; they include punctures or other deep cuts and animal bites. If the wound is particularly deep and dirty, see a doctor. He can clean it out properly, and give you antibiotic treatment and a booster shot of the tetanus vaccine.