Pathogens
Clostridium tetani

Clostridium tetani

Susceptibilities

General Information

  • Penicillin G
  • Doxycycline

Anaerobic gram positive spore-forming bacilli. Produces toxins that cause painful muscle contractions in humans (lockjaw)

  • Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals with deep wound
  • Note: there is no herd immunity as the organism is found in soil/earth and not transmitted person-to-person

Tetanus:

  • Generalized
  • Localized
  • Cephalic
  • Neonatal
  • Deep wounds with necrotic tissue highest risk
  • May require neutralization of toxins with HTIG (500 mg IM x1 near wound)
  • Administer vaccine in alternative site than where HTIG given; give on admission