Tetanus toxin 5S IgG plus ELISA

Enzyme immunoassay for the quantitative determination of IgG class antibodies against Clostridium tetani toxin in human serum or plasma (citrate). Clostridia are spore-forming gram-positive bacteria. The round spores are built at the terminal end which results in the microscope in a “tennis racket” like shape. Tetanus develops only when spores of Clostridium tetani germinate under strict anaerobic conditions after gaining access to wounds and small lacerations. The clinical manifestation of the disease is primary not caused by the invasion of the exciter but by the secretion of a powerful neurotoxin (tetanospasmin). This toxin blocks the inhibition of the signal transduction and has a high affinity to the central nervous system. The consequence is hyper excitability of the muscles to external stimuli in combination with a principal increase of the muscle tonus without influence of consciousness. It starts with tonic spasm of muscles (trimus), mimic muscles and gallet muscles. Neck, back and abdominal musculature follow. At the same time the appearance of refectory spasm of whole muscle groups can hamper breathing. Hyper salivation and swallowing problems cause aspiration and pneumonia with the next breath. Clostridium tetani is ubiquitous present in soil and intestine of humans and animals. Ingestion of bacteria or growth in the intestine of man or animal is without harm. The spores are extremely resistant towards heat and can stay infectious for a long period. The bacteria can get under the skin by even smallest wounds. In Europe tetanus mainly occurs after injuries and sometimes postoperative whereas in developing countries Tetanus is widely disseminated. The WHO assumes that one million people die because of tetanus worldwide per year. Tetanus toxin is an excellent immunogen in man - only one antigenic type of toxin. The only effective way to control tetanus is by prophylactic active immunization.