Types of tetanus:
- The term “tetanus” derives from the Greek word tetanos, which means stiff.
- Clostridium tetani produces powerful toxin that badly affects the nervous system.
- Bacteria can enter the body through cuts in the skin, wounds or injuries that are contaminated with these bacteria.
- There are four types of tetanus namely
- Generalized Tetanus
- Neonatal Tetanus
- Cephalic Tetanus
- Local Tetanus
| Aspect | Local Tetanus | Neonatal Tetanus | Generalized Tetanus | Cephalic Tetanus |
| Introduction | Mild form of tetanus that is confined to muscles near the site of infection. | This form of tetanus occurs in newborns due to unhygienic childbirth practices. | It is a severe form of tetanus that affects the muscles throughout the body. | It is rare form of tetanus, involving cranial nerves and head injuries. |
| Location | Confined to the area around the wound or injury site. | Generally involves the entire body due to generalized muscle stiffness. | Affects various muscle groups throughout the body. | Mainly affects head and facial muscles, often causing facial spasms. |
| Onset of the disease | Symptoms confined near the site of infection and may develop within days of exposure. | Symptoms developed in newborns shortly after their birth, usually within the first few days. | Symptoms may develop within days to weeks after the exposure of tetanus-causing bacteria. | Symptoms arise from head injuries or wounds and may manifest after the injury. |
| Muscle Involvement | Affects muscles near the wound or injury site, causing localized stiffness. | Generally affects muscles in the newborn’s body, leading to generalized stiffness. | Affects muscles in the jaw, neck and throughout the body. | Affects cranial nerves and facial muscles. It often causes facial spasms. |
| Lockjaw | Lockjaw may be present due to localized muscle stiffness. | May or may not include jaw stiffness (lockjaw) as a symptom. | It is a common symptom, with jaw muscle stiffness and difficulty opening the mouth. | In cephalic tetanus, lockjaw may or may not occur; facial muscle spasms are more characteristic. |
| Breathing Difficulties | Breathing issues are usually not significant in local tetanus. | Breathing difficulties can be severe in newborns due to generalized muscle stiffness. | Muscle spasms can affect respiratory muscles, leading to breathing difficulties. | Breathing problems are possible if cranial nerves responsible for breathing are affected. |
| Severity of the disease | Mild form with limited muscle involvement, usually less severe. | Can be life-threatening in newborns, requiring immediate medical intervention. | Most severe and life-threatening form of tetanus. | It can be serious if untreated, but prognosis is better compared to generalized tetanus. |
| Progression of symptoms | May progress to generalized tetanus if untreated or if the infection spreads. | Symptoms progress if not treated on time. It often leads to severe complications. | Symptoms can worsen rapidly without proper treatment. | Symptoms related to the injury or wound can progress over time. |
| Treatment | May not always require extensive medical care but should be treated promptly. | Immediate medical intervention is needed to manage symptoms, provide supportive care, and prevent complications. | Requires intensive medical care and support to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and neutralize the toxin’s effects. | Requires medical attention and wound care to prevent the progression of symptoms. |