Clostridium tetani

bacteria

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

Clostridium tetani is a bacterium that causes the acute infectious disease tetanus in humans and animals. These bacteria are commonly found in soil and can enter the body through any wound, particularly puncture wounds or deep lacerations, as they thrive in oxygen-free environments.1

The toxin produced by C. tetani, known as tetanospasmin, is extremely potent and attacks the central nervous system. It inhibits inhibitory neurotransmitters, leading to overactive motor neurons and severe muscle spasms. The most recognizable symptom is jaw stiffness, earning tetanus the nickname "lockjaw".1

Treatment involves neutralizing the toxin with tetanus antitoxin and killing the bacteria with penicillin. Prevention is key, achieved through active immunization with tetanus toxoid, which requires booster doses every few years.1

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clostridium
The toxin of C. tetani causes tetanus when introduced into damaged or dead tissue. C. perfringens, C. novyi, and C. septicum can cause gangrene in humans. C. perfringens is also a source of foodborne illness, occurring on raw meat
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The toxin of C. tetani causes tetanus when introduced into damaged or dead tissue. C. perfringens, C. novyi, and C. septicum can cause gangrene in humans. C. perfringens is also a source of foodborne illness, occurring on raw meat
Read More

infectious disease
Modes of survival
The bacterium that causes tetanus, Clostridium tetani, is present everywhere in the environment—in soil, in dust, on window ledges and floors—and yet tetanus is an uncommon disease, especially in developed countries. The same is true of the anthrax bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. Although usually present in abundance in factories in which…
Read More
The bacterium that causes tetanus, Clostridium tetani, is present everywhere in the environment—in soil, in dust, on window ledges and floors—and yet tetanus is an uncommon disease, especially in developed countries. The same is true of the anthrax bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. Although usually present in abundance in factories in which…
Read More