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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Vaccines & Immunizations

Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:

Tetanus (Lockjaw) Photos

WARNING: Some of these photos might be unsuitable for children. Viewing discretion is advised.

Photos of the Disease

From the Public Health Image Library
This micrograph depicts a group of Clostridium tetani bacteria, responsible for causing tetanus in humans.

Photo ID# 6372
This micrograph depicts a group of Clostridium tetani bacteria, responsible for causing tetanus in humans.

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Images of People Affected by the Disease

From the Public Health Image Library
This neonate is displaying a bodily rigidity produced by Clostridium tetani exotoxin, called “neonatal tetanus”.

Photo ID# 6374
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.

Photo ID#2857
This patient presented with facial tetany. Note the contraction of the masseter and neck muscles.

Face of man with tetanus.

Photo ID# 1657
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).

Photo ID# 6373
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).

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Additional Images and Regulations

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This page last modified on May 23, 2011
Content last reviewed on May 23, 2011
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases

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