High urgency
-Very severe
Very severe infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani.
It enters the body through a wound, deep cut or burn.
It is characterised by very intense and painful muscle stiffness. It can be accompanied by a rise in body temperature and perspiration.
The diagnosis is reached through the patient's clinical history and a complete physical examination.
Treatment is based on administering antibiotics and cleaning the wound.
It is a vital emergency that needs to be checked with a hospital 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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