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Tetanus in Adults

An Update

The lecture duration is 14min.

0.25 CPD Points, 0.25 CEUs, 0.25 CME credits approval pending.
Accredited by CPDUK, CBRN and Provider Pending.

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Prof. Guy Richards
Emeritus Professor of Critical Care and Pulmonology at the University of the Witwatersrand and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
Lecture Summary

Tetanus is a preventable disease related to contamination of wounds with spores of C. tetani. Effective prophylaxis is available in the form of a tetanus vaccine but that this has a relatively short period of efficacy and boosters are required. There are specific risk groups susceptible to the condition and early treatment with antitoxin is recommended specifically in these groups but also in patients with extensive wound contamination with soil or manure, or extensive devitalized tissue with delayed debridement. Treatment involves prevention of toxin uptake in the peripheral nerves by antitoxin and antibiotics8 and further therapy of the various stages of the disease are discussed.

Target Audience

Emergency Medicine Doctors
Emergency Medicine Nurses
Paramedics
Rural GP's

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:

  • Describe the incidence, risk factors and prevention of tetanus
  • Appreciate the pathophysiology and severity grading
  • Understand the key principles and important steps in diagnosing and managing tetaus

None.