Clostridium tetani
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Web Resources for Clostridium tetani
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Contents |
Introduction
Spore forming bacterium of the genus Clostridium.
The cause of tetanus.
Aetiology
Clostridium tetani spores are ubiquitous in the environment and are found in dust, soil, animal intestines and human faeces. Inoculation from even apparently clean wounds is possible. The bacterium produces several toxins, but clinical tetanus is caused by tetanospasmin which has strong specific affinity for the inhibitory motor neurons.
