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Tetanus MeSH Descriptor Data 2025


MeSH Heading
Tetanus
Tree Number(s)
C01.150.252.410.222.864
Unique ID
D013742
RDF Unique Identifier
http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D013742
Annotation
caused by Clostridium tetani; do not confuse with TETANY; do not use for tonic spasm of muscle ( = SPASM) or for tetanic contraction ( = MUSCLE CONTRACTION)
Scope Note
A disease caused by tetanospasmin, a powerful protein toxin produced by CLOSTRIDIUM TETANI. Tetanus usually occurs after an acute injury, such as a puncture wound or laceration. Generalized tetanus, the most common form, is characterized by tetanic muscular contractions and hyperreflexia. Localized tetanus presents itself as a mild condition with manifestations restricted to muscles near the wound. It may progress to the generalized form.
Entry Term(s)
Clostridium tetani Infection
NLM Classification #
WC 370
See Also
Trismus
Date Established
1966/01/01
Date of Entry
1999/01/01
Revision Date
2019/06/17
Tetanus Preferred
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