17 Interesting Facts about Clostridium tetani
17 Interesting Facts about Clostridium tetani
Clostridium tetani is the bacteria responsible for causing tetanus in humans. Here are interesting facts about this deadly bacteria.
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| 17 Interesting Facts about Clostridium tetani |
@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan
1. Tetanus is a disease caused by a bacteria (Clostridium tetani) that targets the nervous system. In fact, Clostridium tetani can cause 4 types of tetanus:
1. Generalized tetanus is the most common form in which the infection spreads throughout the body.
2. Localized tetanus only affects the area near the site of C. tetani entry.
3. Cephalic tetanus involves the muscle of the face and is very painful.
4. Neonatal tetanus afflicts newborn babies and has a high fatality rate.
2. Clostridium tetani is a rod-shaped, gram positive bacteria.
3. Clostridium tetani is a bacteria that moves using rotary flagellum.
4. The word "clostridium" is derived from the Greek word "kloster" which means spindle.
5. Clostridium tetani spores are resistant to heat and can survive in the soil for several months up to years.
6. Contrary to popular beliefs, Clostridium tetani don't exclusively thrive in rusty nails.
7. Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease.
8. Tetanus is not contagious. Clostridium tetani isn't passed from direct person to person contact.
9. Clostridium tetani enters the human body through cuts, laceration, burn, and other wound.
10. In the presence of oxygen, Clostridium tetani bacteria turns into an endospore.
11. Spores or inactive form of Clostridium tetani is commonly found in soil, dust, and animal manure which gets activated when put in an anaerobic environment. As clostridium tetani grows, they release a lethal toxin called tetanospasmin.
12. Tetanospasmin spreads throughout the body through the cardiovascular and lymphatic system.
13. Clostridium tetani grows only in an environment where there is no air (obligate anaerobe).
14. Dead cells provide a suitable environment were Clostridium tetani can grown.
15. The toxin released by Clostridium tetani binds to nerve endings and stimulates uncontrollable muscle contraction. These muscle spasms can be so strong that it can literally break bones.
16. A study reveals that the most effective antibiotic to kill Clostridium tetani is sparfloxacin. Ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, eythromycin, gentamycin, metronidazole, penicillin G, and tetracycline also kills the bacteria.
17. Clostridium tetani belongs to the genus Clostridium to which also includes Clostridium botulinum (causative agent of botulism) and Clostridium difficile (an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that causes diarrhea.
