What happens when you are infected with tetanus?
When infected with tetanus, a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium tetani enters the bloodstream and travels to the central nervous system. The toxin interferes with the transmission of nerve signals by blocking the release of neurotransmitters. Without neurotransmitters, muscles cannot contract, leading to rigidity and spasms. Here's what typically happens during a tetanus infection:
1. Tetanus Toxin Entry: The tetanus bacteria usually enter the body through deep wounds, puncture wounds, or burns. The bacteria can also enter through chronic skin conditions, surgical wounds, or injection drug use.
2. Toxin Production: Once inside the body, the bacteria produce the potent neurotoxin called tetanospasmin. This toxin is responsible for the characteristic symptoms of tetanus.
3. Toxin Travels: The toxin spreads from the entry site through the bloodstream until it reaches the central nervous system, particularly the spinal cord and brain.
4. Blocking Nerve Signals: Tetanus toxin targets inhibitory neurons in the central nervous system. Inhibitory neurons normally play a crucial role in controlling muscle contractions by preventing excessive firing of motor neurons. Tetanospasmin blocks the release of neurotransmitters (like glycine) from inhibitory neurons, disrupting this control mechanism.
5. Persistent Muscle Contractions: Without inhibitory neurons functioning normally, there's an increased and sustained firing of motor neurons, leading to muscle spasms. These involuntary muscle contractions can affect various parts of the body, causing stiffness and rigidity in the jaw (lockjaw), neck, and back.
6. Difficulty Swallowing: Spasm of the jaw and throat muscles can make swallowing challenging or even impossible. This can lead to complications such as malnutrition and fluid imbalances.
7. Spasms and Painful Episodes: Tetanus can cause severe spasms that can be very painful. These spasms can affect the trunk, limbs, and respiratory muscles, making breathing difficult.
8. Autonomic Nervous System Involvement: In severe cases, the autonomic nervous system can be affected, causing abnormalities in heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating.
9. Complications and Risks: Tetanus infection can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, severe tissue damage, and blood clots. If not treated promptly and effectively, tetanus can be fatal.
10. Treatment: Tetanus treatment involves administering anti-tetanus antitoxin to neutralize the circulating toxin and prevent further damage. Antibiotics are also used to treat the bacterial infection. Additionally, patients receive supportive care to manage symptoms, control muscle spasms, and prevent complications.
It's crucial to be vaccinated against tetanus to prevent infection and its potentially life-threatening complications. Routine tetanus vaccination as part of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine in childhood and regular booster shots throughout adulthood provide effective protection against tetanus.