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You probably only knew that you could get tetanus if you stepped on a nail in the ground. Is it true that only that causes tetanus?
The cause of tetanus is bacteria
Source: Time Toast
Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteriaClostridium tetani. These bacteria have spores to multiply, and are able to survive for a long time outside the body.
When these bacteria enter the body, the spores multiply rapidly and release a toxin called tetanospasmin into the bloodstream. These toxins quickly spread throughout the body and can damage the brain and nervous system.
Tetanospasmin interferes with signals traveling from the brain down the spinal cord to the muscles. The result will cause muscle spasms and stiffness. Severe cases of tetanus can make you stop breathing and die.
People of all ages can develop tetanus symptoms. However, tetanus is usually very serious if it affects a newborn. Neonatal tetanus usually comes from infection when severing the umbilical cord of a newborn.
How do tetanus bacteria get into the body?
Tetanus bacteria can be found everywhere. Bacterial sporesC. tetani is everywhere on our path. The most abundant in soil and animal feces.
Bacteria can enter the body through open wounds or are punctured by a sharp, contaminated object, such as a nail.
Tetanus bacteria will enter the body, and the spores multiply into new bacteria and collect in the wound. This collection of bacteria will produce toxins that attack your motor nerves and immediately cause tetanus symptoms.
In addition, other common ways of transmitting tetanus include:
- Wounds contaminated with saliva or dirt
- Injuries caused by objects piercing the skin such as nails, shards of glass, needles
- Burns
- The squeezed wound
- Injury with dead tissue
Rare modes of transmission of tetanus include:
- Surgical procedure
- Superficial cuts (eg scratches)
- Insect bites
- Use of intravenous drugs
- Injections into muscles
- Tooth infection
