C. tetani are ruthless villains, well-known to cause the acute, potentially fatal disease tetanus in both humans and animals. Those among the older population must watch out for these tyrants! They are likely to wreak havoc on victims who are over the age of 50 years, as immune globulin levels decrease with advancing age (3). Neonates also have a high mortality rate. Although rare in developed countries, neonatal tetanus occurs frequently in developing countries, especially those with the least developed health infrastructure (4). Infection of an unhealed umbilical stump, particularly when the stump is severed with an unsterilized instrument, is a major risk factor (4). An infant who has not acquired passive immunity from a mother who has not been immunized, is also at risk (4).
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tetani spores (1). Thankfully, tetanus cannot be transmitted via human-to-human contact (1), but watch where you tread as mild to moderate injuries such as wounds caused by stones, nails, rusty tins and presence of wood pieces (3) carrying C. tetani spores have been reported to cause tetanus. With that being said, C. tetani is transmitted via indirect contact. Surgical procedures, dental treatment, contaminated wounds, burns and intramuscular and intravenous drug injections are among other risk factors
tetani spores (1). Thankfully, tetanus cannot be transmitted via human-to-human contact (1), but watch where you tread as mild to moderate injuries such as wounds caused by stones, nails, rusty tins and presence of wood pieces (3) carrying C. tetani spores have been reported to cause tetanus. With that being said, C. tetani is transmitted via indirect contact. Surgical procedures, dental treatment, contaminated wounds, burns and intramuscular and intravenous drug injections are among other risk factors