Which statement about tetanus is true?

Which statement about tetanus is true?

• A. It is caused by Clostridium botulinum
• B. It is transmitted via airborne droplets
• C. It is caused by Staphylococcus aureus
• D. It is caused by Clostridium tetani

Answer: (D)

Tetanus is driven by a toxin produced by Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic, spore-forming gram-positive rod found in soil. The toxin, tetanospasmin, blocks the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters GABA and glycine in the spinal cord and brainstem, removing brakes on motor neurons and causing uncontrolled, painful muscle contractions and rigidity. This disease is not spread between people by coughing or sneezing, and it’s not caused by botulinum toxin or by Staphylococcus aureus. Botulism from Clostridium botulinum causes flaccid paralysis, not tetanus. So the true statement is that tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani.

Tetanus is driven by a toxin produced by Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic, spore-forming gram-positive rod found in soil. The toxin, tetanospasmin, blocks the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters GABA and glycine in the spinal cord and brainstem, removing brakes on motor neurons and causing uncontrolled, painful muscle contractions and rigidity. This disease is not spread between people by coughing or sneezing, and it’s not caused by botulinum toxin or by Staphylococcus aureus. Botulism from Clostridium botulinum causes flaccid paralysis, not tetanus. So the true statement is that tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani.