What bacterium causes Tetanus?

The bacterium that causes Tetanus is Clostridium tetani. This organism is an anaerobic, spore-forming bacillus commonly found in soil, dust, and animal feces. When its spores enter the body through a wound, they can produce a potent neurotoxin called tetanospasmin, which affects the nervous system. This toxin is responsible for the characteristic muscle stiffness and spasms associated with Tetanus, formally known as lockjaw.

Understanding the nature of Clostridium tetani is crucial for recognizing the importance of vaccination against Tetanus, typically achieved through the DTaP or Td vaccines. These vaccinations not only help prevent the disease but also build immunity by prompting the immune system to produce protective antibodies against the toxin.

In comparison, the other listed bacteria are associated with different diseases: Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes diphtheria, Bordetella pertussis is responsible for whooping cough, and Escherichia coli is commonly associated with gastrointestinal infections. Each of these pathogens has distinct virulence factors and clinical presentations, emphasizing the specificity of Clostridium tetani in the context of Tetanus.