Tetanus

Key points

• Tetanus is caused by the tetanospasmin exotoxin released from Clostridium tetani. Tetanus spores are present in soil and may be introduced into the body from a wound, which is often unnoticed.
• prodrome fever, lethargy, headache
• trismus (lockjaw)
• risus sardonicus
• opisthotonus (arched back, hyperextended neck)