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{{Tetanus}}
{{Tetanus}}
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==Overview==
 
The bacteria that causes tetanus, [[Clostridium tetani]], is usually introduced into the human body by direct inoculation of an open [[wound]]. The [[toxins]] produced by the bacterium, utilize the [[blood]] and/or [[lymphatics]] to gain access to target tissues. The [[toxins]] can act at various places in the [[central nervous system]] including the [[spinal cord]], [[peripheral]] motor end plates, and the [[brain]]. Toxins can also act on the [[sympathetic nervous system]].<ref name="pmid10945801">{{cite journal| author=Farrar JJ, Yen LM, Cook T, Fairweather N, Binh N, Parry J et al.| title=Tetanus. | journal=J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry | year= 2000 | volume= 69 | issue= 3 | pages= 292-301 | pmid=10945801 | doi= | pmc=1737078 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10945801  }} </ref><ref name="pmid14576357">{{cite journal| author=Lalli G, Gschmeissner S, Schiavo G| title=Myosin Va and microtubule-based motors are required for fast axonal retrograde transport of tetanus toxin in motor neurons. | journal=J Cell Sci | year= 2003 | volume= 116 | issue= Pt 22 | pages= 4639-50 | pmid=14576357 | doi=10.1242/jcs.00727 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14576357  }} </ref>
 
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==


Tetanus is an [[acute]], often [[fatal]], disease caused by an [[exotoxin]] produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It is characterized by generalized [[rigidity]] and convulsive [[spasms]] of [[skeletal muscles]]. The muscle stiffness usually involves the [[jaw]] ([[lockjaw]]) and [[neck]] and then becomes generalized. C. tetani is a slender, [[gram-positive]], [[anaerobic]] rod that may develop a terminal [[spore]], giving it a drumstick appearance. The [[organism]] is sensitive to heat and cannot survive in the presence of [[oxygen]]. The spores, in contrast, are very resistant to heat and the usual [[antiseptics]]. They can survive [[autoclaving]] at 249.8°F (121°C) for 10–15 minutes. The spores are also relatively resistant to [[phenol]] and other [[chemical]] agents. The spores are widely distributed in soil and in the [[intestines]] and [[feces]] of horses, sheep, cattle, dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, and chickens. Manure-treated soil may contain large numbers of spores. In agricultural areas, a significant number of human adults may harbor the organism. The spores can also be found on [[skin]] surfaces and in contaminated [[heroin]]. C. tetani produces two exotoxins, [[tetanolysin]] and [[tetanospasmin]]. The function of tetanolysin is not known with certainty. Tetanospasmin is a [[neurotoxin]] and causes the clinical manifestations of tetanus. On the basis of weight, tetanospasmin is one of the most potent toxins known. The estimated minimum human [[lethal dose]] is 2.5 nanograms per kilogram of body weight (a nanogram is one billionth of a gram), or 175 nanograms for a 70-kg (154lb) human.
Tetanus is caused by an [[exotoxin]] from [[Clostridium tetani]] that leads to [[acute]] and often [[fatal]] illness. Generalized, widespread [[rigidity]] and [[skeletal muscle]] [[spasms]] are common presentations of tetanus. The muscle stiffness begins from the [[jaw]] ([[lockjaw]]) progressing to the [[neck]] and then becomes generalized. [[Clostridium tetani|C. tetani]] is a terminal [[spore]] forming bacteria. The spores are resistant to extremes of temperature and to the normally used [[antiseptics]]. The spores can be found in the soil as well as in the [[intestines]] and [[feces]] of cattle, dogs, sheep, horses, cats, guinea pigs, rats, and chickens. Soil that has been treated with manure may contain a large quantity of spores. Human adults who work in agriculture may also harbor the pathogen.<ref name="pmid25065047">{{cite journal| author=Del Pilar Morales E, Bertrán Pasarell J, Cardona Rodriguez Z, Almodovar Mercado JC, Figueroa Navarro A| title=Cephalic tetanus following penetrating eye trauma: a case report. | journal=Bol Asoc Med P R | year= 2014 | volume= 106 | issue= 2 | pages= 25-9 | pmid=25065047 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=25065047  }} </ref>
{{#widget:SchemaSnippet}}
===Pathogenesis===
The pathogenesis of tetanus is as follows:<ref name="pmid10945801">{{cite journal| author=Farrar JJ, Yen LM, Cook T, Fairweather N, Binh N, Parry J et al.| title=Tetanus. | journal=J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry | year= 2000 | volume= 69 | issue= 3 | pages= 292-301 | pmid=10945801 | doi= | pmc=1737078 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10945801  }} </ref><ref name="pmid14576357">{{cite journal| author=Lalli G, Gschmeissner S, Schiavo G| title=Myosin Va and microtubule-based motors are required for fast axonal retrograde transport of tetanus toxin in motor neurons. | journal=J Cell Sci | year= 2003 | volume= 116 | issue= Pt 22 | pages= 4639-50 | pmid=14576357 | doi=10.1242/jcs.00727 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14576357  }} </ref><ref name="pmid12581644">{{cite journal| author=Rummel A, Bade S, Alves J, Bigalke H, Binz T| title=Two carbohydrate binding sites in the H(CC)-domain of tetanus neurotoxin are required for toxicity. | journal=J Mol Biol | year= 2003 | volume= 326 | issue= 3 | pages= 835-47 | pmid=12581644 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12581644  }} </ref><ref name="pmid1331807">{{cite journal| author=Schiavo G, Benfenati F, Poulain B, Rossetto O, Polverino de Laureto P, DasGupta BR et al.| title=Tetanus and botulinum-B neurotoxins block neurotransmitter release by proteolytic cleavage of synaptobrevin. | journal=Nature | year= 1992 | volume= 359 | issue= 6398 | pages= 832-5 | pmid=1331807 | doi=10.1038/359832a0 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=1331807  }} </ref><ref name="pmid12729912">{{cite journal| author=Caccin P, Rossetto O, Rigoni M, Johnson E, Schiavo G, Montecucco C| title=VAMP/synaptobrevin cleavage by tetanus and botulinum neurotoxins is strongly enhanced by acidic liposomes. | journal=FEBS Lett | year= 2003 | volume= 542 | issue= 1-3 | pages= 132-6 | pmid=12729912 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12729912  }} </ref><ref>{{Cite journal
| author = [[Martha H. Roper]], [[Jos H. Vandelaer]] & [[Francois L. Gasse]]
| title = Maternal and neonatal tetanus
| journal = [[Lancet (London, England)]]
| volume = 370
| issue = 9603
| pages = 1947–1959
| year = 2007
| month = December
| doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61261-6
| pmid = 17854885
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal
| author = [[Martha H. Roper]], [[Jos H. Vandelaer]] & [[Francois L. Gasse]]
| title = Maternal and neonatal tetanus
| journal = [[Lancet (London, England)]]
| volume = 370
| issue = 9603
| pages = 1947–1959
| year = 2007
| month = December
| doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61261-6
| pmid = 17854885
}}</ref>
*[[Clostridium tetani|C. tetani]] gains access to the human body through a [[wound]] contaminated with the organism or through an umbilical stump (in cases of neonatal tetanus) by contact with contaminated medical tools.
*The [[spores]] [[germinate]] in the wound because of their [[anaerobic]] character.
*Toxins are produced and spread through the [[blood]] and [[lymphatics]].
*[[Clostridium tetani|C. tetani]] produces two [[exotoxins]]
**[[Tetanolysin]],the function, of which, is not well understood
**[[Tetanospasmin]], a metalloprotease, which is a [[neurotoxin]] responsible for the [[spasticity]] associated with tetanus. [[Tetanospasmin]] is among the most potent toxins known to man.  
 
* The minimum [[lethal dose]] of [[tetanospasmin]] for humans is around 2.5 nanograms per kg of body weight or 175 nanograms for an individual who weighs 70-kg (154lb).


[[Image:Clostridium tetani bacteria.jpg|center|thumb|Group of Clostridium tetani bacteria, responsible for causing tetanus in humans]]
*The toxin uses retrograde transport along the nerve [[axon]] to reach the [[spinal cord]] and the [[brainstem]].
*The toxins binds irreversibly with the receptors.
*The tetanus toxin cleaves the membrane proteins ([[SNARE]] proteins) that are responsible for expulsion of  inhibitory [[neurotransmitters]] at the neuronal [[synapses]].
*The disinhibition of [[Upper motor neuron|upper motor neurons]] affects the [[lower motor neurons]] responsible for carrying motor cortex [[Excitatory neurotransmitter|excitatory impulses]] affecting the [[Autonomic nervous system|autonomic neurons]] and the [[Anterior horn cells|anterior horn cells.]]
*The disinhibition involving [[anterior horn cells]] leads to an unopposed [[contraction]] of the muscles, leading to [[Hypertonia|excessive tone]] and [[Muscle spasm|muscular spasm]] which can be painful.
*The [[autonomic nervous system]] when disinhibited can lead to [[Seizure|seizures]].
*Neonatal tetanus develops within hours due to the shorter length of the [[axons]].


C. tetani usually enters the body through a [[wound]]. In the presence of [[anaerobic]] (low oxygen) conditions, the spores [[germinate]]. Toxins are produced and disseminated via [[blood]] and [[lymphatics]]. [[Toxins]] act at several sites within the [[central nervous system]], including [[peripheral]] motor end plates, [[spinal cord]], and [[brain]], and in the [[sympathetic nervous system]]. The typical clinical manifestations of tetanus are caused when tetanus toxin interferes with release of [[neurotransmitters]], blocking inhibitor impulses. This leads to unopposed muscle contraction and spasm. Seizures may occur, and the autonomic nervous system may also be affected.
===Genetics===
The role of genetics in the development of tetanus has not been well established. It is, however, believed that the formation of tetanus toxin is induced by the depletion of amino acids.<ref name="pmid27492724">{{cite journal| author=Licona-Cassani C, Steen JA, Zaragoza NE, Moonen G, Moutafis G, Hodson MP et al.| title=Tetanus toxin production is triggered by the transition from amino acid consumption to peptides. | journal=Anaerobe | year= 2016 | volume= 41 | issue=  | pages= 113-124 | pmid=27492724 | doi=10.1016/j.anaerobe.2016.07.006 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27492724  }} </ref>
===Microscopic Pathology===
[[Image:Clostridium tetani bacteria.jpg|left|thumb|Group of Clostridium tetani bacteria, responsible for causing tetanus in humans.- [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clostridium_tetani.jpg Source: Wikimedia Commons]]]
<br style="clear:left" />


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}
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Latest revision as of 00:24, 30 July 2020

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Usama Talib, BSc, MD [2]

Overview

The bacteria that causes tetanus, Clostridium tetani, is usually introduced into the human body by direct inoculation of an open wound. The toxins produced by the bacterium, utilize the blood and/or lymphatics to gain access to target tissues. The toxins can act at various places in the central nervous system including the spinal cord, peripheral motor end plates, and the brain. Toxins can also act on the sympathetic nervous system.[1][2]

Pathophysiology

Tetanus is caused by an exotoxin from Clostridium tetani that leads to acute and often fatal illness. Generalized, widespread rigidity and skeletal muscle spasms are common presentations of tetanus. The muscle stiffness begins from the jaw (lockjaw) progressing to the neck and then becomes generalized. C. tetani is a terminal spore forming bacteria. The spores are resistant to extremes of temperature and to the normally used antiseptics. The spores can be found in the soil as well as in the intestines and feces of cattle, dogs, sheep, horses, cats, guinea pigs, rats, and chickens. Soil that has been treated with manure may contain a large quantity of spores. Human adults who work in agriculture may also harbor the pathogen.[3]

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of tetanus is as follows:[1][2][4][5][6][7][8]

  • The minimum lethal dose of tetanospasmin for humans is around 2.5 nanograms per kg of body weight or 175 nanograms for an individual who weighs 70-kg (154lb).

Genetics

The role of genetics in the development of tetanus has not been well established. It is, however, believed that the formation of tetanus toxin is induced by the depletion of amino acids.[9]

Microscopic Pathology

Group of Clostridium tetani bacteria, responsible for causing tetanus in humans.- Source: Wikimedia Commons


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Farrar JJ, Yen LM, Cook T, Fairweather N, Binh N, Parry J; et al. (2000). "Tetanus". J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 69 (3): 292–301. PMC 1737078. PMID 10945801.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Lalli G, Gschmeissner S, Schiavo G (2003). "Myosin Va and microtubule-based motors are required for fast axonal retrograde transport of tetanus toxin in motor neurons". J Cell Sci. 116 (Pt 22): 4639–50. doi:10.1242/jcs.00727. PMID 14576357.
  3. Del Pilar Morales E, Bertrán Pasarell J, Cardona Rodriguez Z, Almodovar Mercado JC, Figueroa Navarro A (2014). "Cephalic tetanus following penetrating eye trauma: a case report". Bol Asoc Med P R. 106 (2): 25–9. PMID 25065047.
  4. Rummel A, Bade S, Alves J, Bigalke H, Binz T (2003). "Two carbohydrate binding sites in the H(CC)-domain of tetanus neurotoxin are required for toxicity". J Mol Biol. 326 (3): 835–47. PMID 12581644.
  5. Schiavo G, Benfenati F, Poulain B, Rossetto O, Polverino de Laureto P, DasGupta BR; et al. (1992). "Tetanus and botulinum-B neurotoxins block neurotransmitter release by proteolytic cleavage of synaptobrevin". Nature. 359 (6398): 832–5. doi:10.1038/359832a0. PMID 1331807.
  6. Caccin P, Rossetto O, Rigoni M, Johnson E, Schiavo G, Montecucco C (2003). "VAMP/synaptobrevin cleavage by tetanus and botulinum neurotoxins is strongly enhanced by acidic liposomes". FEBS Lett. 542 (1–3): 132–6. PMID 12729912.
  7. Martha H. Roper, Jos H. Vandelaer & Francois L. Gasse (2007). "Maternal and neonatal tetanus". Lancet (London, England). 370 (9603): 1947–1959. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61261-6. PMID 17854885. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. Martha H. Roper, Jos H. Vandelaer & Francois L. Gasse (2007). "Maternal and neonatal tetanus". Lancet (London, England). 370 (9603): 1947–1959. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61261-6. PMID 17854885. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  9. Licona-Cassani C, Steen JA, Zaragoza NE, Moonen G, Moutafis G, Hodson MP; et al. (2016). "Tetanus toxin production is triggered by the transition from amino acid consumption to peptides". Anaerobe. 41: 113–124. doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2016.07.006. PMID 27492724.

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