Clostridium Tetani Infection Research Articles

A woman with Clostridium tetani infection and metastatic breast cancer: A case report

Tetanus could be a genuine and possibly dangerous neurological infection caused by the tetanus poison delivered by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Infection occurs through contaminated wounds, burns, surgical wounds, and insect bites. Related symptoms include muscle spasms, autonomic instability, and respiratory failure. Complications occur in the form of fractures, sprains, muscle tears, and death. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Risk factors for tetanus infection include the lack of routine vaccinations, wound contamination with C. tetani-contaminated soil, and improper hygiene practices during childbirth. We presented a case report of a 32-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer, who developed a rapidly growing and foul-smelling mass. Despite early diagnosis and treatment measures, the patient did not respond to treatment and died due to the severity of mixed infections. The case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and routine vaccinations to prevent complications and improve outcomes in tetanus infection.

If the Mind Doesn’t Know, the Eyes cannot See: A Case report of Localized Tetanus

Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by a potent neurotoxin released by an obligate anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium tetani infection. Presentations of tetanus include generalized tetanus, neonatal tetanus, cephalic tetanus, and localized tetanus, the latter two being much rarer. This is a case report of localized tetanus involving the facial muscle in the form of lock jaw in 63-year inadequately immunized gentleman following an unhygienic tooth extraction from rural area. The condition deteriorated further, and the patient was under ventilatory support for 3days. The patient had antibiotics, antitetanus serum, sedatives, and wound care. The case is reported because of the rarity of localized tetanus, the diagnostic dilemma presented by the case, and the cultural interplay and understanding of the disease process by the patient/caregivers. It is also reported to highlight the gap in routine immunization and the need for booster doses in this age group. Successful management includes prompt diagnosis, neutralization of circulating toxin and elimination of C. tetani infection, control of spasms, maintenance of the airway, and management of respiratory failure and autonomic dysfunction. Bangladesh J Medicine 2023; 34(2): 168-170

Time-course transcriptomics reveals that amino acids catabolism plays a key role in toxinogenesis and morphology in Clostridium tetani.

Tetanus is a fatal disease caused by Clostridium tetani infections. To prevent infections, a toxoid vaccine, developed almost a century ago, is routinely used in humans and animals. The vaccine is listed in the World Health Organisation list of Essential Medicines and can be produced and administered very cheaply in the developing world for less than one US Dollar per dose. Recent developments in both analytical tools and frameworks for systems biology provide industry with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the parameters that determine C. tetani virulence and physiological behaviour in bioreactors. Here, we compared a traditional fermentation process with a fermentation medium supplemented with five heavily consumed amino acids. The experiment demonstrated that amino acid catabolism plays a key role in the virulence of C. tetani. The addition of the five amino acids favoured growth, decreased toxin production and changed C. tetani morphology. Using time-course transcriptomics, we created a "fermentation map", which shows that the tetanus toxin transcriptional regulator BotR, P21 and the tetanus toxin gene was downregulated. Moreover, this in-depth analysis revealed potential genes that might be involved in C. tetani virulence regulation. We observed differential expression of genes related to cell separation, surface/cell adhesion, pyrimidine biosynthesis and salvage, flagellar motility, and prophage genes. Overall, the fermentation map shows that, mediated by free amino acid concentrations, virulence in C. tetani is regulated at the transcriptional level and affects a plethora of metabolic functions.

Clostridium tetani infection in pediatric intensive care unit of the CHU of Tamatave Madagascar

Justification: Tetanus, fatal disease, still exists in Madagascar in spite of the vaccination sessions of mass, and attacks also the children. Objective: To describe the epidemiology, the clinical aspect, the treatments and the evolutions of infantile tetanus. Patients and methods: Retrospective study in the pediatric intensive care unit of the University Hospital of Tamatave, on the cases listed during four years (2013-2016). Results: Twenty-seven cases were recensed, with an average age of 10.8 years old and a sex ratio (M/W) equal to 6. Only forty-one percent were already vaccinated before the one year age. No child of more than 11 years-old profited from vaccine recall. The stain of the wound after the ablation of flea was the most frequent cause (76%). Tetanus was generalized in 80%, including 44.4% with respiratory disorder having required intubation. All the children presented hyperthermia above 38°C at the entry and 63% higher or equal to 40°C. Sedation by diazepam, used at all children, was used with an average amount of 4 mg/kg/day. The beta-lactamine antibiotics were used in 100% of the cases. The antitetanus serum was administered at 3000 IU/day. Nosocomial infections occurred in 61%. The mean hospitalization duration was around 11 days. Mortality was 47%. Discussion and conclusion: The vaccine recalls are still negligent in the old children, making these latter vulnerable. Mortality is especially due to superinfections and denutrition.

Development and application of passive immunizing agents against tetanus: a literature review

Immunoprophylaxis against tetanus is divided into passive and active immunization.Passive immunizing agents include tetanus antitoxin and human tetanus immunoglobulin.Tetanus antitoxin played an important role in early tetanus immunoprophylaxis.However, some safety problems do exist as it contains allogeneic serum and because of that, it has been gradually replaced by human tetanus immunoglobulin.Misapplication of passive immune agents has resulted in a waste of medical resources and revealed potential medical risks.Standardized and rational application of active immunizing agents (tetanus toxoid) with reduced usage of passive immunizing agents is the most effective measure to prevent Clostridium tetani infection. Key words: Tetanus; Immunoprophylaxis; Passive immunity; Active immunity

Diagnosis and management of tetanus outside the intensive care unit: a case report

Tetanus is an acute, toxin-mediated disease caused by Clostridium tetani infection. Under favorable anaerobic conditions, such as in the unclean environment, necrotic wounds, this ubiquitous bacillus may produce tetanospasmin, an extremely potent neurotoxin. A 38-year-old man was admitted to an emergency room, at Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, with the main complaint of back-muscle stiffness. Based on physical examination, he was fully alert with a slightly rapid breathing, trismus with the maximum oral cavity opening was only about one finger width, but rhisus sardonicus was not evident. Ten days before admission, while gardening, his left foot accidentally stabbed by wooden tree stake. We immediately started a single dose of tetanus immunoglobulin followed by intravenous metronidazole, penicillin G, and intravenous diazepam. Tetanus diagnosed by physical clinical finding. The management of tetanus patients including the use of immunoglobulin and antibiotic therapy, analgesia, sedation and neuromuscular blockade management and mechanical ventilation, the care was delivered outside the Intensive care unit.

Protection against Staphylococcus aureus and tetanus infections by a combined vaccine containing SasA and TeNT‑Hc in mice.

In developing countries, trauma patients and neonates are vulnerable to Staphylococcusaureus (S.aureus) and Clostridiumtetani infections. It has been suggested that a combined vaccine against the two infections may be a reliable and cost‑effective strategy. Previous studies have indicated that the S.aureus surface protein A (SasA) and the C fragment of tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT‑Hc) may be suitable candidates for a vaccine against S. aureus and tetanus infections, respectively. In the present study, mice were immunized with a combined vaccine containing SasA and TeNT‑Hc, which induced a robust immune response to both antigens, and mutual interference between SasA and TeNT‑Hc was not observed. In the S.aureus challenge model, the combined vaccine fully protected BALB/c mice against lethal intraperitoneal challenges with 3x109 colony‑forming units of a methicillin‑resistant S.aureus USA300 strain. In the TeNT challenge model, the combined vaccine conferred complete protection against a lethal dose of (2x103) xLD50 tetanus toxin. These results implied that SasA and TeNT‑Hc promising components for a combined vaccine against S.aureus and tetanus infections.

Tetanus: a patient in a primary healthcare setting

Tetanus is a disease caused by a Clostridium tetani infection, a complication of wounds. We present a case in which a patient presented with seizures and was incorrectly assessed to have epilepsy. Permission to publish this report was obtained from the patient. The clinical diagnosis was tetanus. A review of the literature is provided. Due to the fatality of this disease, primary care health professionals need to have a high index of suspicion of it as the consequences could be fatal if missed.

Intraoperative Diagnosis and Use of Glidescope<sup>t</sup><sup>m</sup> Video Laryngoscope for Cephalic Tetanus

This case report describes the clinical characteristics and management of a 38-year-old man with cephalic tetanus. He presented with a massive facial infection after a dental procedure. After induction of anesthesia, cephalic tetanus was clinically diagnosed during induction based on the presence of a new facial nerve palsy and nuchal rigidity even after the administration of succinylcholine. The first attempt at intubation was unsuccessful with a Macintosh laryngoscope due to persistent nuchal rigidity and lockjaw despite the use of succinylcholine. Consistent with other reports, intubation was remarkably uncomplicated when the video laryngoscope was used. Postoperatively, the Clostridium tetani infection progressed to generalized tetanus and responded to supportive care. This case highlights the difficulties of diagnosis, and supports the utility of the Glidescopetm video laryngoscope in this unusual pathological condition.

Tetanus in cattle

Tetanus (Clostridium tetani infection) is a potentially life-threatening neurologic disease affecting cattle. Clinical signs of tetanus are frequently unrecognized until advanced stages of the disease, when treatment and management of affected animals are difficult and prognosis is relatively poor. This case report demonstrates the successful early diagnosis and subsequent management of wound tetanus in a 13-month-old Holstein heifer. Primary clinical signs that led to an accurate diagnosis and early treatment included stiff gait, erect tail, and prolapsed nictitans. Intensive medical management yielded a relatively rapid improvement in clinical signs. The heifer calved and entered the lactating herd. Practitioners that observe the previously mentioned clinical signs in cattle should consider tetanus as a primary differential diagnosis and initiate aggressive medical management.

Clostridium tetani Infection in a Haitian Earthquake Victim

© 2011 Elsevier 0196-4399/00 (see frontmatter) 37 We report a case of Clostridium tetani infection in a man who was transferred to a U.S. hospital from Haiti, following the earthquake that occurred on 12 January 2010. We describe the microbiology and pathophysiology of this infectious disease process. C. tetani elaborates toxins that interrupt central nervous system signaling, producing tonic paralysis. So that life-saving therapeutic measures can be instituted, the clinician and microbiologist must collaborate to quickly establish C. tetani as the pathogen responsible for the disease. Appropriate clinical vigilance may avert a poor patient outcome associated with respiratory insufficiency, acute renal failure, and autonomic dysfunction. Our best defense against tetanus is implementation of a worldwide vaccination program. Mailing Address: Asa Oxner, MS IV, 8775 Orange Oaks Circle, Tampa, FL 33637. Tel.: 813-732-7675. E-mail: aoxner@health.usf.edu Case Report

Coxofemoral luxation in a border collie as a complication of aClostridium tetaniinfection

A four-month-old male, entire, border collie was presented to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals with a two day history of muscular spasms and "Risus sardonicus". Tetanus was diagnosed, and the dog was treated with tetanus antitoxin, antibiotics and supportive therapy. Coxofemoral luxation resulted as a complication of the tetanus and was successfully managed by performing a femoral head and neck excision. This is the first report of joint luxation associated with Clostridium tetani infection in a dog.

CLOSTRIDIUM TETANUS INFECTION IN 13 DOGS AND ONE CAT

Clostridium tetani infection is uncommon in dogs and cats. Up to this point in time just single case reports have been published in veterinary medicine. The goal of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical features and outcome of 13 dogs and one cat affected with Clostridium tetani. The medical records of the last ten year were reviewed. Dogs and cats that were identified as being infected with Clostridium tetani on the basis of characteristic clinical signs and/or bacterial culture from infected wounds were eligible for study inclusion. Thirteen dogs and one cat met the criteria for study inclusion. Six different breeds and mix‐breed dogs were affected, German Shepherd dogs (n=4, 29%) and Labrador retriever (n=3, 21%) were the most frequently affected breeds. Observed clinical complications were ventricular aspiration pneumonia (n=7), laryngeal spasm (n=6), hypersalivation (n=4), ventricular tachycardia (n=3), and third degree AV block (n=1). Median days from onset of clinical signs until first signs of improvement were 10 days (range: 9–12 days). Median hospitalisation time was 18 days (range: 14–22 days). Six animals showed full recovery and 8 animals died or were euthanized. Death was associated with acute onset of ventricular tachycardia in 2 dogs, 1 dog died with non‐responsive third degree AV‐block, 3 dogs died after developing aspiration pneumonia, and 1 dog died of unknown causes.

Chemotherapy of experimental clostridial infections.

Journal Article Chemotherapy of Experimental Clostridial Infections Get access J. S. Kiser, J. S. Kiser Lederle Laboratories Division, American Cyanamid Company, Pearl River, New York Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar G. C. de Mello, G. C. de Mello Lederle Laboratories Division, American Cyanamid Company, Pearl River, New York Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar D. H. Reichard, D. H. Reichard Lederle Laboratories Division, American Cyanamid Company, Pearl River, New York Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar J. H. Williams J. H. Williams Lederle Laboratories Division, American Cyanamid Company, Pearl River, New York Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 90, Issue 1, January 1952, Pages 76–80, https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/90.1.76 Published: 01 January 1952 Article history Received: 13 June 1951 Published: 01 January 1952

Studies on Tetanus Toxoid

Abstract The need for active immunization against Clostridium tetani infection is evident, especially in those instances in which it has been necessary for industrial and constructional workers to receive numerous prophylactic injections of tetanus antitoxin over a comparatively short period of time owing to various individual injuries. This has resulted in development of a hypersensitivity to horse serum proteins with the resulting severe serum reactions after injection which incapacitate the workers for variable periods of time. Active immunization could be adopted advantageously among military forces and in groups that are unusually subject to injury under conditions where C. tetani might exist and the potential danger from tetanus is high. Historical. In 1924 Ramon (1) detoxified soluble products of Cornebacterium diphtheriae using 0.4 per cent formaldehyde. This work was followed by Descombey's (2) observation that the same technic was applicable to the soluble products of C. tetani with subsequent production of tetanus toxoid.