Introduction to tetanus: Even though the bacteria that cause
tetanus are common in the United States, the tetanus vaccine has
made tetanus infections rare. Nevertheless, tetanus remains a
major worldwide cause of illness and death. What is tetanus?
Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is caused by a toxin created by a
bacterium found in the soil. When this germ gets into an open
cut or wound, an unprotected person can contract tetanus, which
creates serious muscle spasms that can be strong enough to snap
the spine. Even with modern medical care, many people who get
tetanus die from the disease. The type of bacteria that causes
tetanus is called Clostridium tetani. It is a relative of the
bacteria that cause botulism and those that cause clostridium
food poisoning. It is widespread in dirt, especially when the
dirt contains excrement. Who gets tetanus? Tetanus can be found
around the world, but it is most common in warmer climates and
in warmer months. The wounds where tetanus enters may be so
minor as to be unnotice