What is tetanus?
Q: What is tetanus?
A: Tetanus is a disease that causes muscle contractions that stay that way for some time.
Q: How is tetanus infection generally transmitted?
A: Tetanus infection is generally transmitted through wound contamination, often involving a cut or deep puncture wound.
Q: What causes the primary symptoms of tetanus?
A: The primary symptoms of tetanus are caused by tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani.
Q: What is the common name for tetanus and why is it called that?
A: The common name for tetanus is lockjaw because muscle spasms develop in the jaw as the infection progresses.
Q: What are the other symptoms of tetanus?
A: Tetanus leads to general muscle stiffness and spasms in other parts of the body, as well as difficulties with swallowing.
Q: Can tetanus infection be prevented?
A: Yes, tetanus infection can be prevented by proper immunization and by post-exposure prophylaxis.
Q: What is post-exposure prophylaxis in relation to tetanus prevention?
A: Post-exposure prophylaxis is a preventative measure taken after a potential exposure to tetanus, which often involves administering a vaccine and/or tetanus immunoglobulin.
