Tetanus

Tetanus is an acute illness caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani. The toxin disrupts inhibitory nerve signaling, causing muscle rigidity and painful spasms.

Tetanospasmin: A neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani that blocks inhibitory neurotransmitter release. It causes the sustained muscle rigidity and spasms characteristic of tetanus.
Trismus: Restricted jaw opening caused by sustained contraction of the masticatory muscles. Jaw stiffness is a classic early sign of generalized tetanus.
Endospore: A dormant, highly resistant structure produced by certain bacteria to survive harsh conditions. Clostridium tetani spores persist in the environment and can enter wounds.
Botulism: A neurotoxin-mediated illness that typically causes descending, flaccid paralysis. Botulinum toxin blocks acetylcholine release, unlike tetanospasmin’s loss of inhibitory signaling.
Clostridium tetani: An anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium found in soil and animal feces that produces tetanospasmin. Its spores contaminate wounds, where suitable conditions can allow toxin production.
Opisthotonus: Severe backward arching of the head, neck, and spine caused by muscle spasm. This striking posture can occur in severe tetanus.
Anaerobic organism: An organism that grows without oxygen; some anaerobes are harmed by oxygen. Low-oxygen tissue in deep or devitalized wounds can support C. tetani growth.
Strychnine poisoning: Poisoning that causes severe stimulus-triggered muscle spasms by blocking glycine receptors. Its spasms resemble tetanus, but strychnine acts directly at glycine receptors.
Glycine: An amino acid that also acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord and brainstem. Tetanospasmin disrupts glycine signaling, removing restraint on motor neurons.
Tetanus immune globulin: A preparation of antibodies that neutralizes tetanus toxin still circulating outside nerve cells. It limits additional toxin binding but cannot reverse toxin already attached to neurons.

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