Description
Clostridium tetani is a Gram positive bacterium. C. tetani is known for causing tetanus.
C. tetani affects humans by causing the disease called tetanus. The spores enter its host through open wounds, lacerations, or burns where many cells are dead. This provides the necessary environment for C. tetani to begin to spread its virulence factors. The toxin interferes with the neurotransmitters and, thus, blocks messages to the brain. This leads to unwanted muscle contractions and spasms, and in bad cases, individuals can experience severe seizures.
