The Pathology and Characterisics of Clostridium tetani

Clostridium tetani is a Gram-positive bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria retain a crystal violet stain in their thick peptidoglycan. C. tetani are bacillus-shaped organisms. Typically bacillus shaped organisms are shaped like rods, however, C. tetani, although bacillus, tend to have a drumstick-like shape. This drumstick shaping is due to terminal spores formed by the bacteria. Spores are dormant forms of an organism. The spores germinate and swell within the cell, imparting the bacteria’s drumstick shape.1 Clostridium tetani are also anaerobic, meaning that they cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. The organisms are very sensitive to heat, however, the spores that they produce can become rather resistant to heat and antiseptics.2 C. tetani spores are pervasive throughout nature. The natural habitat of C. tetani consists of areas that are damp and warm. Common sources for these bacteria include soil, manure, animal intestines, and feces.3 Generally, C. tetani spores can survive for months in their natural environment. However, under the proper environmental conditions, the spores can survive for years.4

Infection from C. tetani bacteria causes tetanus, a disease that affects the nervous system. The spores enter the host through open wounds.3 Many cells are dead at the wound site, which provides an ideal environment for the germination of more C. tetani spores. After entering the host, the bacteria releases a toxin, called tetanospasmin. The tetanospasmin is a peptide made out of two chains, one is a light chain while the other is heavy. The chains of this toxin produce inhibitors that bind to receptors and cause uncontrollable muscle contraction, which is a common symptom of tetanus. Tetanospasmin affects the human ne...

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...that the firecrackers left many injured. They reminded victims of the crackers to seek medical attention as soon as possible to help prevent tetanus. The providence was on an official “tetanus watch” raised by health officer, Dr. Aturdido Jr. Doctors from the South Cotabato hospital warned the public that if symptoms like cramps near affected area and fever occur within a few days after injury that they should seek nearest hospital for treatment. Dr. Aturdido noted that firecracker related incidents had increased in 2014 by 21%. This new years there were 104 cases compared to 2013’s 86 cases. Some of the explosives being used had explosive contents of 0.2grams, which was deemed too risky. The province of South Cotabato are going to try and regulate, and even ban the use of fire-crackers for next years celebration in hopes of reducing any further injuries.8