HYDROPHOBIC TETANUS Meaning and
Definition
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Hydrophobic tetanus is a medical condition characterized by a severe, life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Also known as tetanus solium or tetanus sicca, hydrophobic tetanus is a distinct form of tetanus that presents unique clinical features and complications.
The term "hydrophobic" in hydrophobic tetanus refers to the peculiar symptom displayed by patients, where they experience an intense, involuntary fear and avoidance of water. This symptom is a result of the profound systemic effects of the bacterial toxins produced by Clostridium tetani, which affect the nervous system. The bacteria typically enter the body through deep wounds contaminated with soil, dust, or animal feces, and release toxins, leading to muscle rigidity and spasms.
The hallmark symptoms of hydrophobic tetanus include muscle stiffness and spasms, often involving the jaw muscles (hence the term "lockjaw") and generalized muscle contractions. These spasms can become severe and lead to muscle damage and difficulty breathing.
Prompt medical intervention is crucial in the management of hydrophobic tetanus. Treatment involves administering an antitoxin to neutralize the circulating toxins and antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria. Supportive care, such as wound debridement and management of muscle spasms, is also essential in minimizing complications. Despite treatment, mortality rates from hydrophobic tetanus remain high due to the potential complications associated with severe muscle rigidity and respiratory failure.
Hydrophobic tetanus poses a serious threat to public health, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare and inadequate immunization coverage. Vaccination against tetanus, through the administration of tetanus toxoid, is widely recommended to prevent this potentially fatal condition.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYDROPHOBIC TETANUS
- gydrophobic tetanus
- bydrophobic tetanus
- nydrophobic tetanus
- jydrophobic tetanus
- uydrophobic tetanus
- yydrophobic tetanus
- htdrophobic tetanus
- hgdrophobic tetanus
- hhdrophobic tetanus
- hudrophobic tetanus
- h7drophobic tetanus
- h6drophobic tetanus
- hysrophobic tetanus
- hyxrophobic tetanus
- hycrophobic tetanus
- hyfrophobic tetanus
- hyrrophobic tetanus
- hyerophobic tetanus
- hydeophobic tetanus
- hyddophobic tetanus
Etymology of HYDROPHOBIC TETANUS
The term "hydrophobic tetanus" is not commonly used in medical literature or terminology. It seems to be a combination of two different terms: "hydrophobic" and "tetanus".
1. Hydrophobic: The word "hydrophobic" is derived from the Greek words "hudro-" meaning "water" and "phobos" meaning "fear" or "aversion". In general usage, hydrophobic describes a substance or a surface that repels or does not dissolve in water. However, in the context of certain diseases, hydrophobia refers to a symptom associated with rabies, a viral infection that affects the nervous system.
2. Tetanus: Tetanus is a medical condition caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It is characterized by muscle stiffness and painful muscle contractions, mainly affecting the jaw and neck but can also involve other parts of the body.
