Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:
Tetanus (Lockjaw) Photos
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WARNING: Some of these photos might be unsuitable for children. Viewing discretion is advised.
Photos of the Disease
From the Public Health Image Library
http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp
This micrograph depicts a group of Clostridium tetani bacteria, responsible for causing tetanus in humans.
Images of People Affected by the Disease
From the Public Health Image Library
http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp
This neonate is displaying a bodily rigidity produced by Clostridium tetani exotoxin, called “neonatal tetanus”.
This patient presented with facial tetany. Note the contraction of the masseter and neck muscles.
Face of man with tetanus.
This patient is displaying a bodily posture known as "opisthotonos" due to Clostridium tetani exotoxin (Generalized tetanus, the most common type (about 80%) usually presents with a descending pattern, starting with trismus or lockjaw, followed by stiffness of the neck, difficulty in swallowing, and rigidity of abdominal muscles).
Additional Images and Regulations
- Amercan Academy of Pediatrics (exit)
- Immunization Action Coalition (exit)
- Immunization Education Organization (exit)
- Public Health Image Library (PHIL)
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Content last reviewed on April 22, 2007
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases