Ever wonder why you had to get a tetanus shot as an infant? The most common tetanus vaccine is the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis). This vaccine is given in five doses, and a booster shot every ten years is recommended.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) explains that tetanus toxin is produced by the gram-positive bacteria Clostridium tetani. Exposure to the toxin causes tetanus. Tetanus is a non-communicable illness. In other words, it is not contagious; rather, it is spread though spores in soil and dust that are introduced via open wounds. According to the CDC, the incidence of tetanus is about 29 cases per year, and infections lead to death in about one in ten cases.
Baby receiving tetanus shot.
Image Source: VOISIN/PHANIE
According to the Mayo Clinic, tetanus works by preventing neurons from storing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is important because, when it is released in small amounts, it allows the transmission of signaling for contraction from neuron to muscle. However, when acetylcholine is released in high amounts, it can saturate all receptors in the muscle. This saturation prevents muscle relaxation and induces paralysis of the muscle. People who are infected oftentimes present with sudden involuntary muscle tightening, jaw cramping, fever, sweating, and in extreme cases, bone breakage.
The Mayo Clinic also explains that there is no real antidote for tetanus poisoning; however, the symptoms can be treated and reversed by administering an immunoglobulin. The immunoglobulin—an antibody that binds to specific proteins—helps neutralize the tetanus toxin that has not yet bound to the muscle, preventing it from further muscle activation. Antibiotics are used to kill the tetanus-producing bacteria Clostridium tetani.
As you can see, tetanus poisoning is very dangerous. For this reason, it is important to make sure you have your DTaP vaccination and continue to get booster shots throughout your lifetime! Hopefully you’ll never run into this predicament, but if you ever do, you should be able to recognize the early symptoms so that effective treatment can begin immediately.
