A newborn is taken into the ICU following tetanic contractions. All of the following are TRUE about tetanus, EXCEPT:
**Question:** A newborn is taken into the ICU following tetanic contractions. All of the following are TRUE about tetanus, EXCEPT:
A. Tetanus is a neurological disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani.
B. Its symptoms include muscle stiffness and spasms.
C. The disease is typically seen in unvaccinated individuals.
D. Tetanus does not affect the central nervous system.
**Correct Answer: D. Tetanus does not affect the central nervous system.**
**Core Concept:** Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, which is found in soil and dust. It enters the body through a wound and produces a neurotoxin that affects the motor neurons and neuromuscular junctions. The disease is characterized by muscle stiffness, spasms, and autonomic symptoms like hypertension and tachycardia.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Tetanus is a neurological disease that primarily affects the peripheral nervous system and neuromuscular junctions. The toxin produced by C. tetani disrupts the normal transmission of signals between motor neurons and muscle cells, leading to the characteristic tetanic contractions.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. While tetanus is indeed a neurological disease, it affects the central nervous system peripherally (at the neuromuscular junction) rather than centrally (in the brain or spinal cord).
B. The statement is partially correct as tetanus does affect the peripheral nervous system, but it is crucial to note that it primarily affects the neuromuscular junctions, not the central nervous system.
C. Unvaccinated individuals are indeed more prone to tetanus, but the disease itself does not specifically target the central nervous system. This option is incorrect due to the same reason as option D.
**Clinical Pearl:** Tetanus vaccination is highly recommended to prevent the disease and its complications. In cases where vaccination is not possible, prompt diagnosis and management can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the severity of the disease.