tetanus

Tetanus

 

Definition

 

Acute disease

- characterised by generalized rigidity & convulsions

- caused by exotoxins/neurotoxins produced in Clostridia Tetani infections

 

Epidemiology

 

Annual world mortality is 1 million

 

West 15-100/year

 

Aetiology / Pathology

 

Clostridium Tetani

- anaerobic

- spore-bearing Gram positive Bacillus