Modern medicine has however created an antidote to the effects of this disease. Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination with tetanus toxoid ((Xy-Za et al.). However a booster for this vaccination is required every ten years after the first or primary vaccination (Xy-Za et al.). In terms of healthcare and pretention it is also noted in many studies that this disease thrives when a wound is not properly cared for and treated. As one study emphasizes "Contaminated wounds are the site where tetanus bacteria multiply. Deep wounds or those with distallized tissue are particularly prone to tetanus infection" (Xy-Za et al.). This places an obvious emphasis on the importance of attending quickly and effectively to wounds to cuts on the body.

This disease is also associated with a number of comorbid and related complications that should be taken into account in an assessment of its implications for healthcare. These can include the following.

This disease can lead to a condition known as myositis ossificans circumscripta, which occurs when "…connective tissue and muscle are replaced by bone" (myositis ossificans circumscripta ). A complication that is found in a number of patients with Tetanus is pneumonia. This is caused by the muscle stiffness and rigidity in this disease which can complicate coughing and the process of swallowing. As one study notes; "Aspiration pneumonia occurs as a result of inhaling the secretions, or contents, of the stomach, which can lead to a lower respiratory tract infection" (Tetanus Complications).

Among the other complications that often occur among individuals with Tetanus is Laryngospasm. This takes place where larynx undergoes a temporary spasm. This usually does not last for longer than a minute (Tetanus Complications). However this spasm makes normal breathing extremely difficult. Another serious complication associated with Tetanus is fits or convulsions. Known as Tetanic seizures, they are very similar to epileptic fits. These fits take place in cases where the disease...

Pulmonary embolism is caused by a blocked in the blood vessels in the lungs and can be potentially life-threatening (Tetanus Complications). Acute renal failure has also been associated with this type of infection. This occurs in conjunction with a condition known as rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is "…where the skeletal muscles are rapidly destroyed, resulting in myoglobin (a muscle protein) leaking into the urine. This can lead to acute (severe) renal failure (kidney failure)" (Tetanus Complications).
Conclusion

It becomes clear from the above research and discussion that Tetanus infection can lead to a host of diseases and complications. It is therefore a disease that cannot be taken lightly. Consequently, the need to prevent this infection, especially in countries in the developing world, is a matter of extreme priority. This can only be achieved effectively through immunization. The vaccine that is administered in the immunization process consists of a course of five doses. This vaccine creates antibodies that defend against the tetanospasmin toxin. This provides protection against anyone who is exposed to the tetanus bacteria (Xy-Za et al.).

References

Myositis ossificans circumscripta. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/400545/myositis-ossificans-circumscripta

Tetanus. Retrieved from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/tetanus/article_em.htm

Tetanus Complications, Retrieved from http://www.cks.nhs.uk/patient_information_leaflet/tetanus/complications

Tetanus: Lockjaw & Tetanus Vaccination. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/tetanus/article.htm

Tetanus: Search Manual of Surgery. Retrieved from http://www.manual-of-surgery.com/content/0032-Tetanus.html

Xy-Za et al. TETANUS. Retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/36671085/Tetanus-Case-Study