Bacterial Tetanus
Clostridium Tetani
Characteristics
Tetanus, also known as lock jaw, is an infection of the nervous system. This bacteria ranges form 0.6 micrometers by 3-7 micrometers. It is as rod shaped bacteria that is transmitted by an open wound. It develops through contact with an infected surface such as a nail or knife.
Symptoms
The average incubation of the tetanus bacteria once it enters your body is 7-8 days. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, spasms and stiffness in your jaw muscles, stiffness in neck muscles, painful body spasms, fever, sweating, high blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. Tetanus can be treated.
Treatment
The booster shot can help prevent the bacteria affecting your body. Liquid foods are requested since your jaw doesn't allow you to ingest whole foods. There is no actual cure for tetanus but treatment focuses on managing complications caused by the toxin until the effects resolve.
History
Cases of Tetanus date back to the 5th century BCE. Carle and Rattone discovered tetanus in 1884. They found this by injecting pus of a human tetanus blister into animals. In 1889, Nicolair discovered that tetanus bacteria could be found in soil. Tetanus is most common in developing countries because of lack of health care, hygiene, and dirty conditions.