High urgency
-Very severe
Very serious infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani.
It enters the body through a wound, deep cut or burn.
The characteristic symptom is a very intense and painful muscle stiffness. It may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature and sweating.
The diagnosis is made through clinical history and complete physical examination.
Treatment is based on the administration of antibiotics and cleaning of the wound.
It is a vital emergency for which a hospital center should be consulted immediately.
- Daniel J Sexton, MD. Tetanus. UpToDate, Apr 28, 2016.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tetanus surveillance --- United States, 2001-2008. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2011; 60:365..
- McQuillan GM, Kruszon-Moran D, Deforest A, et al. Serologic immunity to diphtheria and tetanus in the United States. Ann Intern Med 2002; 136:660.
- C. Louise Thwaites; Lam Minh Yen. Tétanos. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 177.
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
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