Tetanus << TEHT uh nuhs >> is a serious disease that affects muscles. It is also called lockjaw because severe spasms (violent muscle contractions) of the jaw muscles make it hard for victims to open their mouths.
Tetanus is caused by toxins (poisons) produced by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. These germs thrive in dust and dirt, and need no air to live. They get into the body through breaks in the skin. Any dirt in a wound may contain tetanus germs. The germs grow quickly if no air gets to the wound.
Symptoms of tetanus usually start within several weeks after infection. The victim feels depressed, has headaches, and soon has trouble opening the mouth or swallowing. After a while, all of the body muscles tighten, and spasms may interfere with breathing. If not treated, the victim may die from exhaustion.
Tetanus can be prevented. All wounds should be cleaned thoroughly. People may be immunized against infection with injections of tetanus toxoid, a substance made from specially treated toxins of the bacillus. But if tetanus develops, doctors treat the disease with antitoxin injections. People with severe tetanus may need to undergo a tracheotomy. In this operation, surgeons make an artificial opening in the trachea (windpipe) to help the patient breathe.
See also Clostridium .
