tetanus

Clostridium tetani

present in soil

anarobic environment -> multiplies

musclar rigidity and contraction spasm

3-21d after exposure

inital symptoms

• weakness

• stiffness

• cramps

• difficulty chewing/swalloign

• spasms 1-4d later

• mortality \~10%

full course:

• \< 5yrs

  • no further

• 5-10yrs

  • clean/minor

    • nil

  • tetanus prone

    • booster

• >10yrs

  • tetanus prone

    • booster

• \<3doses:

  • clean/minor

    • complete course of 3 doses

  • tetanus -prone

    • complete courses and

    • TIG

      • 250iu IM

      • increased to 500IU if wound occured > 24hrs or heavy contamination3