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Created with Fabric.js 1.4.5 Tetanus By: Mia Covarrubias What is Tetanus? Tetanus, or lock jaw, is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium Tetani. This bacteria produces a toxin that affects the brain and nervous system causing muscle spasms and stiffness. How is it contracted/developed? Clostridium Tetani spores can be found virtually anywhere, but this bacteria can be contracted by exposing an open wound to soil, dust, and manure. How many people in the US suffered of suffer from this disease? From 2001 to 2008, the last years for which data was compiled, a total of 233 tetanus cases were reported, averaging at about 29 cases per year. With the fatality rate being at 13%. Of those 233 cases 55% of the people were over the age of 55. The ages of the people ranged from 5 to 94. What are the s/s? How is it diagnosed? Symptoms usually emerge about 10 days after the initial infection. You may experience muscle spasms and muscular stiffness. The stiffness usually starts at the jaw muscles, then spreads to the neck and throat. Breathing difficulties may occur after the chest and neck become stiff, More symptoms may include bloody stools, diarrhea, fever, headache, sensitivity to touch, sore throat, sweating and tachycardia. It is very simple to diagnose a pt with Tetanus. Most come into the Dr's office complaining of muscle spasms and stiffness and have recently had a wound or cut. Who developed the vaccine? The bacteria Clostridium Tetani was first isolated in 1889 by S. Kitasto while he was working with R Koch in Germany. Kitasto was also found the toxin responsible for tetanus and developed the first protective vaccine against the disease. The Tetanus toxoid was first introduced in 1924, the immunization was used extensively during WWII. The Tetanus vaccine is combined with the diptheria and recently added pertussis. This vaccine does vaccine creating the DTaP (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis). The Tetanus toxoid consists of a formaldehyde treated toxin.
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