CHAPTER VIII 



PATHOGENIC BACTERIA AND DISEASES CAUSED BY 

 THEM (Continued) 



Bacillus of Tetanus. A slightly motile, spore-forming 

 anaerobic bacterium. 



Sources of Infection. The germ is widely distributed, 

 occurring in garden earth and the feces of herbivorous 

 animals. 



The avenue of infection is practically always a wound, 

 and usually, because of the anaerobic nature of the germ, 

 a punctured wound. Fourth of July injuries, in which 

 pieces of wad and paper are blown into the hand, are 

 prolific sources of tetanus infection. 



Lesions. The site of infection causes but little trouble, 

 as this is an example of a purely toxic disease. The toxin, 

 which is very virulent, is absorbed and acts upon the 

 cells of the central nervous system in a manner resem- 

 bling strychnin, causing convulsions and opisthotonos. 

 To stand helplessly by and watch the agonizing struggles 

 and convulsions of a patient afflicted with tetanus, and 

 listen to his pleading for relief, is one of the most heart- 

 rending experiences a nurse may be called upon to 

 endure. 



Antitoxin. An antitoxin is prepared from the horse 

 in the usual manner, but to be of value it must be given 



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