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Pathophysiology of Tetanus: Precipitating Factors: Predisposing Factors

Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria entering the body through a wound. The bacteria release toxins that travel through the bloodstream and nervous system to the spinal cord and neuromuscular junctions. The toxins block inhibitory neurotransmitters in the nervous system, causing unregulated muscle contractions that lead to lockjaw, difficulty breathing, and potentially death from respiratory failure.

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Pernel Jose Alam Micubo
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116 views2 pages

Pathophysiology of Tetanus: Precipitating Factors: Predisposing Factors

Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria entering the body through a wound. The bacteria release toxins that travel through the bloodstream and nervous system to the spinal cord and neuromuscular junctions. The toxins block inhibitory neurotransmitters in the nervous system, causing unregulated muscle contractions that lead to lockjaw, difficulty breathing, and potentially death from respiratory failure.

Uploaded by

Pernel Jose Alam Micubo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF TETANUS

Precipitating Factors: Predisposing Factors:

 Exposure to bacteria  Age


(laceration at left foot)  Gender (Male)
 Unknown history oftetanus
imunization

Clostridium tetani bacteria containing virulence


plasmids enter wound

Toxins produced by growing cells

Spores germinate under anaerobic


conditions (3-21 days incubation)

Cell lysis occurs

Fever
Release of bacterial endotoxins into surrounding tissues

Inflammatory Stimulation of
Tetanospasmin
response hypothalamus

Toxin circulated around the body through bloodstream and lymphatic system

Autonomic
Enter Central Nervous System (CNS) along peripheral nerves
Dysfunction

Toxin makes its way to spinal cord Tachycardia

Toxin taken up by neuromuscular junction

Irreversibly binds to gangliosides at presynaptic inhibitory motor nerve endings

Taken up by preganglionic neuron axon through endocytosis

Blocks the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters (glycine and GABA)

Excitatory activities unregulated

Generalized tonic muscle spasms occur


Generalized tonic muscle spasms occur

Pharynx Masseter muscle Respiratory


muscles

Aspiration of oral Lock Jaw


secretions Dyspnea Chest wall rigidity

Cough Retractions Asphyxiation

DEATH Respiratory failure

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