Paedintermediate
Describe the organism responsible for tetanus and its important environmental characteristics.
Answer
Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobic bacillus. Its spores are ubiquitous, resistant to heat, desiccation, and disinfectants, and occur in soil, dust, and animal or human feces.
Explanation
A complete response identifies *C. tetani* and its principal characteristics: Gram-positive, spore-forming, and obligately anaerobic. It should also state that spores are widespread and resistant to heat, drying, and disinfectants, with soil, dust, and feces identified as habitats. **Key takeaway:** Persistence of resistant spores in the environment underlies ongoing exposure risk.\n\n**Glossary:** **Desiccation**: drying; **spore**: a resistant survival form of a bacterium.
Related Questions
- Which environmental reservoirs are identified for Clostridium tetani? Select ALL correct answers.(intermediate)
- Tetanus is caused by toxins produced by the bacterium _____.(basic)
- Tetanus spores germinate in an anaerobic milieu after inoculation.(basic)
- Clostridium tetani is an obligate anaerobic, Gram-positive, spore-forming bacillus.(basic)
- Arrange the events in the pathogenesis of tetanus in chronological order, from initial exposure to disease outcome.(basic)
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