Tetanus

Descriptive Essay # 112010

Medical and Health > Medical Studies

Tetanus

Looks at the microbiology, management and prevention of tetanus.

1,980 words () | 12 sources | APA | 2009 India

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that tetanus is an acute toxemia caused by clostridium tetani infection usually from a laceration or break in the skin. In adults, the most characteristic symptom of generalized tetanus is lockjaw or trismus. The author stresses that the best possible management for this infection is through rigorous immunization programs especially needed in developing countries. The paper examines target populations, mechanisms and the structure of the toxin and diagnostic techniques.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Target Population, Symptoms, Mortality Rate
Target Population
Symptoms and Mortality Rate
Wound Management, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Wound Management and Treatment
Table: The Ablett System for Determination of Tetanus Severity
Diagnosis
Tetanus Toxin, Pathogenesis and Mechanisms
Possible Resistance to Certain Antibiotics
Conclusion
Table: Differential Diagnosis of Tetanus

From the Paper:

"Almost 50% of the deaths caused annually by tetanus are caused by neonatal tetanus. Thus newborns are a very susceptible population especially in places where people still employ traditional midwifery practices such as cutting the cord with grass or dirty scissors, or rubbing manure on the umbilical stump. The neonate mortality rate may be decreased if there was better provision of medical essentials like maternal immunization and artificial ventilation for tetanus cases. Another section of the target population includes patients over the age of 60 years."

Sample of Sources Used:

Akbulut, D, Grant, K. A & McLauchlin, J. (2005). "Improvement in Laboratory Diagnosis of Wound Botulism and Tetanus among Injecting Illicit-Drug Users by Use of Real-Time PCR Assays for Neurotoxin Gene Fragments." Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Sept. 2005, Vol. 43, No. 9 p. 4342-4348.
Baron, S. (1996). "Medical Microbiology". Fourth Edition, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, ISBN 0-9631172-1-1 (hardcover)1996. The Faz Group.
Beeching, J. N & Crowcroft, S. N. (2005). "Tetanus in injecting drug users" BMJ (British Medical Journal) Volume 330, 2005; 330:208-9
Brook, I. (2008). "Current concepts in the management of Clostridium tetani infection." Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy June 2008, Vol. 6, No. 3, Pages 327-336.
Edlich, R. F, Hill, L. G, Mahler, C. A, Cox, M. J, Becker, D. G, Horowitz, J. H, Nichter, L. S, Martin, M. L & Lineweaver, W. C. " Management and prevention of tetanus." Journal of Long Term Effects of Medical Implants. 2003; 13(3):139-54.