What is the causative organism of Tetanus?

Appeared in: AIIMS Rishikesh NO - 2019

Explanation

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani.
This organism is an anaerobic, Gram-positive, spore-forming rod found in soil and the intestines of animals.
The disease is not caused by the bacterium itself but by a potent neurotoxin, tetanospasmin, which it produces when it infects a wound.
This toxin blocks inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, leading to unopposed muscle contraction and spasms.

Option B: Clostridium botulinum produces the botulinum toxin, which causes botulism, a condition characterized by flaccid paralysis (muscle weakness), not the spastic paralysis seen in tetanus.
Option C: The genus Mycobacterium includes species that cause chronic diseases like tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and leprosy (Mycobacterium leprae). They are unrelated to tetanus.
Option D: Clostridium perfringens is the primary causative agent of gas gangrene (myonecrosis) and a common type of food poisoning. It produces toxins that cause tissue death.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative organism of Tetanus as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a critical role in tetanus prevention through meticulous wound care, especially for deep puncture wounds or those contaminated with soil or feces, as these provide the anaerobic environment necessary for bacterial growth.
Administering the tetanus toxoid vaccine (e.g., Tdap, DTaP) is a key nursing intervention for both primary prevention and post-exposure prophylaxis.
Recognizing early signs of tetanus, such as trismus (lockjaw) and muscle stiffness, is vital for prompt treatment and improved patient outcomes.

How to Approach the Question

This is a direct recall question that tests your knowledge of microbiology.
First, identify the key disease mentioned in the question: 'Tetanus'.
Next, recall the specific pathogen responsible for this disease.
Evaluate the options provided. Notice that three of the options belong to the same genus, Clostridium, which is a common technique to create plausible distractors.
Differentiate between the species: C. tetani causes tetanus, C. botulinum causes botulism, and C. perfringens causes gas gangrene.
Select the option that correctly matches the disease, which is Clostridium tetani.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QJYHtkf5Hp1AKE5g__1tBJ

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 387-389

E6 Microbiology Applied AnjuDhir 3e Part 1 p. 144-146

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1279-1281

Practise the full AIIMS Rishikesh NO - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.