How Do You Spell PUERPERAL TETANUS?

1. Puerperal tetanus is a severe and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that affects postpartum women. This condition occurs when the bacteria Clostridium tetani enters the body through nonsterile practices during childbirth, such as unclean delivery equipment or unsanitary conditions. The bacteria produce a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, and respiratory complications.

   Symptoms of puerperal tetanus typically appear within a week to a month after childbirth. Initial signs may include stiffness and rigidity of the jaw (lockjaw) and neck muscles, which can progress to muscle spasms throughout the body. These spasms can be triggered by disturbances such as noise, touch, or light, and can cause significant pain and difficulty in breathing.

   Puerperal tetanus is an exceedingly serious condition, with a high mortality rate if not promptly treated. Treatment involves a combination of supportive care to manage muscle spasms and respiratory distress, as well as administration of tetanus immunoglobulin to neutralize the toxin and antibiotics to control the bacterial infection. Prevention of puerperal tetanus is essential and includes ensuring sterile delivery practices, adequate hygiene, and immunization of pregnant women with tetanus toxoid vaccine.

   In summary, puerperal tetanus is a rare but severe bacterial infection that affects postpartum women. It is caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria and can lead to muscle stiffness, spasms, and respiratory complications. Prompt medical attention and prevention strategies are crucial to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

2. T. occurring during the puerperium from infection of the obstetric wound.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PUERPERAL TETANUS

The word puerperal comes from the Latin word puerpera, which means one who has just given birth. The term puerperal tetanus is used to describe tetanus infections that occur in women after giving birth.

Meanwhile, the term tetanus originated from the Greek word tetanos, which means tension or stiffness. It was coined in reference to the characteristic muscle stiffness and spasms that occur in individuals afflicted with the disease.

So, the etymology of the word puerperal tetanus can be broken down as follows: puerperal from Latin meaning one who has just given birth, and tetanus from Greek meaning tension or stiffness.