Tetanus

By: Myla Keller

Reservoir: 

• Soil (spores are found everywhere in cultivated soil)

• Many animals carry the bacteria in their intestines

Portal of exit: 

• Feces 

Mode of transmission: 

• Indirect ( direct)transmission of spores

Portal of entry: 

• Cutaneously

• Wounds contaminated with dirt

• Injuries with dead tissue

• Dental infections

• Insect bites

• Intravenously (drug use)

• Surgical procedures

Susceptible host: 

• Humans

  • Anyone with an open wound

  • Someone who recently underwent surgery

• Animals

How can we control transmission of disease?... CDC Website

• Reinfection is possible***

• Vaccinations

  • There are combinations of the vaccine

• Be mindful of any skin wounds

  • Clean and care of cutaneous injuries

• Limit your pet’s exposure to areas with cultivated soil

https://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/causes/index.html

George EK, De Jesus O, Tobin EH, et al. Tetanus (Clostridium tetani Infection) [Updated 2024 Feb 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482484/

European Center for Disease Control https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/tetanus/facts#:~:text=Soil%20is%20the%20main%20reservoir,the%20spores%20in%20their%20faeces.

Reviewed By: Kara Quinn