Why tetanus

Breathing difficulties may result from neck and chest muscle stiffness. In some people, abdominal and limb muscles are also affected. In severe cases, the spine will arch backward as the back muscles become affected.

This is more common when children experience a tetanus infection. Any cut or wound must be thoroughly cleaned to prevent infection. A tetanus-prone wound should be treated by a medical professional immediately. Any patient with a wound listed above should receive tetanus immunoglobulin TIG as soon as possible, even if they have been vaccinated. Tetanus immunoglobulin contains antibodies that kill Clostridium tetani.

It is injected into a vein and provides immediate short-term protection against tetanus. TIG is just short-term and does not replace the long-term effects of vaccination. Experts say that TIG injections can be safely administered to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Doctors may prescribe penicillin or metronidazole for tetanus treatment. These antibiotics prevent the bacterium from multiplying and producing the neurotoxin that causes muscle spasms and stiffness.

If the doctor thinks the tetanus prone wound is very large, they may surgically remove as much of the damaged and infected muscle as possible debridement. Debridement is the act of removing dead or contaminated tissue, or foreign material. In the case of a tetanus-prone wound , the foreign material may be dirt or manure. A patient with tetanus requires a high daily calorie intake because of increased muscle activity. Some patients may need ventilator support to help with breathing if their vocal cords or respiratory muscles are affected.

Tetanus is caused by the Clostridium tetani bacterium. Clostridium tetani spores are able to survive for a long time outside of the body. They are most commonly found in animal manure and contaminated soil, but may exist virtually anywhere. When Clostridium tetani enter the body, they multiply rapidly and release tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin. When tetanospasmin enters the bloodstream, it rapidly spreads around the body, causing tetanus symptoms.

Tetanospasmin interferes with the signals traveling from the brain to the nerves in the spinal cord, and then on to the muscles, causing muscle spasms and stiffness. Clostridium tetani enters the body mainly through skin cut or puncture wounds.

Thoroughly cleaning any cut helps prevent an infection from developing. Most cases of tetanus occur in people who have never had the vaccine or who did not have a booster shot within the previous decade. The tetanus vaccine is routinely given to children as part of the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis DTaP shot.

The DTaP vaccine consists of five shots, usually given in the arm or thigh of children when they are aged:. A booster is normally given between the ages of 11 and 18 years, and then another booster every 10 years. If an individual is traveling to an area where tetanus is common, they should check with a doctor regarding vaccinations.

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Acellular pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Children who do not tolerate the pertussis vaccine may receive the alternative vaccine called DT. The DTaP is a series of five shots typically given in the arm or thigh to children at ages:. A booster shot is recommended for children at age 11 or This booster is called the Tdap vaccine.

If your child didn't get a booster shot as this age, talk to your doctor about appropriate options. A booster shot is recommended for adults once every 10 years. This may be one of two vaccines, Tdap or Td. If you weren't vaccinated against tetanus as a child or are unsure about your vaccination status, see your doctor about getting the Tdap vaccine. A booster is recommended during the third trimester of a pregnancy, regardless of the mother's vaccination schedule.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Tetanus is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by a toxin-producing bacterium. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Tetanus shots: Is it risky to receive 'extra' boosters? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Bennett JE, et al. Tetanus Clostridium tetani.

Elsevier; Accessed March 4, Tetanus: For clinicians.