Which organism is most commonly associated with wound tetanus?

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Multiple Choice

Which organism is most commonly associated with wound tetanus?

Wound tetanus is caused by the toxin of Clostridium tetani, an obligate anaerobe that forms spores and is commonly found in soil and contaminated wounds. In a devitalized, low-oxygen wound, this organism can grow and release tetanospasmin, the neurotoxin that travels to the central nervous system. There it blocks the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA and glycine, leading to unopposed motor activity and the characteristic spastic paralysis seen in tetanus. Other bacteria listed are associated with different wound infections (abscesses, burns, or gastrointestinal/urinary infections) and do not produce this toxin, which is why Clostridium tetani is the correct association with wound tetanus.

Wound tetanus is caused by the toxin of Clostridium tetani, an obligate anaerobe that forms spores and is commonly found in soil and contaminated wounds. In a devitalized, low-oxygen wound, this organism can grow and release tetanospasmin, the neurotoxin that travels to the central nervous system. There it blocks the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA and glycine, leading to unopposed motor activity and the characteristic spastic paralysis seen in tetanus. Other bacteria listed are associated with different wound infections (abscesses, burns, or gastrointestinal/urinary infections) and do not produce this toxin, which is why Clostridium tetani is the correct association with wound tetanus.

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