Disease or Syndrome
tetanus
Subclass of:
Clostridium Infections
Etymology:
Greek tetanos = muscular spasm; from teinein = to stretch
Also called:
Lockjaw
Definitions related to tetanus:
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A disease caused by tetanospasmin, a powerful protein toxin produced by CLOSTRIDIUM TETANI. Tetanus usually occurs after an acute injury, such as a puncture wound or laceration. Generalized tetanus, the most common form, is characterized by tetanic muscular contractions and hyperreflexia. Localized tetanus presents itself as a mild condition with manifestations restricted to muscles near the wound. It may progress to the generalized form.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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A disorder that is caused by Clostridium tetani toxin, which is usually acquired from wound contamination. The neurotoxin causes muscle spasm in the jaw and other anatomic sites.NICHD Pediatric TerminologyU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A serious infectious disorder that follows wound contamination by the Gram-positive bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacteria produce a neurotoxin called tetanospasmin, which causes muscle spasm in the jaw and other anatomic sites.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Tetanus is a serious illness caused by Clostridium bacteria. The bacteria live in soil, saliva, dust, and manure. The bacteria can enter the body through a deep cut, like those you might get from stepping on a nail, or through a burn. The infection causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw. This makes it impossible to open your mouth or swallow. Tetanus is a medical emergency. You need to get treatment in a hospital. A vaccine can prevent tetanus. It is given as a part of routine childhood immunization. Adults should get a tetanus shot, or booster, every 10 years. If you get a bad cut or burn, see your doctor - you may need a booster. Immediate and proper wound care can prevent tetanus infection.MedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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(clostridial tetanus) Disease caused by tetanospasmin, a powerful protein toxin produced by Clostridium tetani; tetanus usually occurs after an acute injury, such as a puncture wound or laceration; generalized tetanus, the most common form, is characterized by tetanic muscular contractions and hyperreflexia; localized tetanus presents itself as a mild condition with manifestations restricted to muscles near the wound.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Tetanus is acute poisoning from a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani. Symptoms are intermittent tonic spasms of voluntary muscles. Spasm of the masseters accounts for the name lockjaw. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is with human tetanus immune globulin and intensive support.Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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Tetanus is characterized by an acute onset of hypertonia, painful muscular contractions (usually of the muscles of the jaw and neck), and generalized muscle spasms without other apparent medical causes. Despite widespread immunization of infants and children since the 1940s, tetanus still occurs in the United States.WebMD, 2019
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Tetanus is a serious disease caused by a bacterial toxin that affects your nervous system, leading to painful muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles. Tetanus can interfere with your ability to breathe and can threaten your life. Tetanus is commonly known as "lockjaw."Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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Tetanus is a life-threatening neurologic syndrome characterized by tonic muscle spasms and hyperreflexia, caused by the exotoxin of Clostridium tetani , a gram-positive spore-forming obligate anaerobe.Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
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Tetanus, acute infectious disease of humans and other animals, caused by toxins produced by the bacillus Clostridium tetani and characterized by rigidity and spasms of the voluntary muscles. The almost constant involvement of the jaw muscles accounts for the popular name of the disease. Spores of...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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