A SERIOUS BACTERIAL INFECTION FROM CONTAMINATED WOUNDS
Tetanus
A serious bacterial infection caused by toxin-producing bacteria entering through contaminated wounds, leading to muscle stiffness, painful spasms and lockjaw. Vaccination provides effective prevention.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious, potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, an organism commonly found in soil, dust and animal faeces. The bacteria enter the body through contaminated wounds — including deep cuts, puncture injuries, burns and animal bites — and produce a powerful toxin that affects the nervous system. This leads to painful muscle stiffness and spasms, classically starting in the jaw (lockjaw) and neck and spreading to other muscles. Severe tetanus can affect breathing, swallowing and heart function and requires intensive care. Tetanus is highly preventable through routine vaccination and prompt wound care. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides assessment, post-exposure care and inpatient management at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Contamination of wounds with Clostridium tetani bacteria
- Deep puncture wounds, animal bites, burns or crush injuries
- Inadequate or out-of-date tetanus vaccination
- Contact with soil, dust, rusty metal or animal faeces
- Unhygienic wound care
- Childbirth in unhygienic conditions (neonatal tetanus)
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical diagnosis based on history of injury and characteristic features
Tetanus immunoglobulin, antibiotic therapy, wound care, muscle-relaxant therapy and ICU care
Mild · Moderate · Severe (with breathing difficulty)
Recovery can take weeks; rehabilitation may be needed
Routine vaccination and timely post-exposure care of wounds
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — inpatient and ICU care
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Urgent Antitoxin Therapy with Vaccination for Prevention
The most effective approach combines urgent tetanus immunoglobulin to neutralise the toxin, antibiotic therapy, thorough wound care, muscle-relaxant therapy and intensive care for severe cases. Long-term, routine vaccination and updated booster doses are the single most effective preventive measure.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews the wound, vaccination history and clinical features, and arranges urgent admission if tetanus is suspected.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A complete plan is created including immunoglobulin, antibiotics, wound care, supportive care and admission to a closely monitored or ICU setting.
- 3
Medical Management
Tetanus immunoglobulin, antibiotic therapy, wound debridement, muscle-relaxant therapy and ventilatory support if needed.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Long-term recovery support, rehabilitation as needed and updated tetanus vaccination going forward.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Tetanus Immunoglobulin
Specific immunoglobulin is given urgently to neutralise the circulating tetanus toxin and limit further damage.
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotic treatment helps eliminate the bacteria from the wound site.
Wound Care
Thorough cleaning and, where required, surgical debridement of the wound to remove dead tissue and bacteria.
Muscle-Relaxant Therapy
Medication is used to control the painful muscle spasms and stiffness that characterise tetanus.
ICU Care and Active Immunisation
Severe cases need intensive care monitoring and breathing support; active immunisation is also given to ensure long-term immunity.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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