Tetanus and Gangrene Boetius Alexander Turek

Tetanus Derived from Clostridium tetani bacterium “Created” by Carle and Rattone in 1884

Contraction  Bacterium found in soil, dust, and animal feces  Contracted when bacterium enter a deep flesh wound  Tetanus spores travel to nervous system, where the rest of the body is affected

Symptoms Stiffness of jaw or neck Muscular irritability Neck, jaw, and muscle spasms or convulsions Fever Usually appear from 3-21 days after initial infection

Treatment Most common and effective treatment is vaccine, which completely prevents against tetanus If infected prior to vaccination, medicinal treatment is available, but is strenuous and painful Even with treatment, death can result

Civil War Applications Very prevalent in Civil War, due to soldiers' propensity to wounds and cuts, coupled with poor hygiene and healing process Originally thought to be derived from pressure on wounds or excessive cold Since war-era treatments were ineffective, almost 90% of all infected soldiers died.

Gangrene Death of a patch of tissue Discovered as early as 1028 Four varieties

Contraction Contraction occurs when a body part loses its blood supply Most commonly caused by injuries that affect blood flow

Symptoms Blue or black discoloration of affected skin Severe pain, followed by numbness, in affected area Foul-smelling discharge Fever Septic shock

Treatment Surgery is used to remove the dead tissue Intravenous antibiotics can be used to treat infected gangrene Hyperbaric oxygen chamber

Civil War Applications Caused by rotting of flesh after unhygienic surgeries Despite conditions, more than 75% of infected soldiers survived