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Tetanus or lockjaw is a serious infection caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria which produce a toxin that affects the brain and nervous system. The toxin leads to stiffness in the jaw muscles as well as other muscles. Tetanus is an illness characterized by an acute onset of hypertonia, painful muscular contractions . Currently, tetanus is a severe disease primarily of older adults who are unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated.

Animal bites Skin burns Abrasions and lacerations Injecting drugs with dirty needles Tattoos that are performed with unsterilized equipment Body piercing performed with dirty equipment Circumcision Cuts and wounds that are not cleaned.

 Irritability, muscle cramps, sore muscles, weakness, or difficulty swallowing. Facial muscles are often affected first. Muscle spasms are progressive and may include a characteristic arching of the back known as Opisthotonus . Severe cases can involve spasms of the vocal cords or muscles involved in breathing. If this happens, death is likely, unless medical help.

 Antibiotics - doctors may prescribe penicillin and metronidazole for tetanus treatment. These antibiotics prevent the bacterium from multiplying and producing the neurotoxin that causes muscle spasms and stiffness. Patients who are allergic to penicillin or metronidazole may be given tetracycline instead.

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