What type of bacteria causes Tetanus?

Clostridium tetani is a rod shaped anaerobic species of pathogenic bacteria. It is Gram +ve and its appearance on a gram stain resembles tennis racquets. C. tetani is an obligate anaerobe. During vegetative growth, the organism cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, is heat sensitive and exhibits flagella for motility. As the organism matures, it develops a terminal spore, giving the organism its characteristic appearance.

The tetanus bacillus produces spores that can be found in soil and house dust as well as in animal and human faeces. These spores are resistant to boiling and freezing.

On infecting humans, it produces a potent biological toxin tetanospasmin. This is the causative agent of tetanus, a disease characterised by muscular spasms that can lead to respiratory failures and sometimes death.