Al-Kitab University College

Medical Analysis Technique

Laboratory No. 13
Title: Clostridium
tetani
Tutor:
Dr.Emad Essa
Assist.
Lect.Haiman.A.Ameen
Medical Analysis Technique Laboratory No.:
Practical Medical Microbiology Date:

Clostridium Tetani

 Is a common soil bacterium and the causative agent of tetanus.

 Vegetative cells of C. tetani are usually rod-shaped and up to 2.5 μm long,

but they become enlarged and tennis racket- or drumstick-shaped when
forming spores.

 The spores can be found globally in soil or in the gastrointestinal tract of

animals. If inoculated into a wound,

 C. tetani can grow and produce a potent toxin, tetanospasmin, which

interferes with motor neurons, causing tetanus.

 There is no person-to-person, only incidentally infect humans.

 Human acquires infection when Clostridium tetani endospores are

inoculated into sterile body tissues through traumas (for example; deep
puncture or crush injuries) or fecal contamination of umbilical cord
(neonatal tetanus).

 The toxin's action can be prevented with tetanus toxoid vaccines, which are
often administered to children worldwide.

Clinical signs

 jaw cramping, Sudden, involuntary muscle tightening (muscle spasms) –

often in the stomach,
 Painful muscle stiffness all over the body,Trouble swallowing, Jerking or
staring (seizures),
 Headache, Fever and sweating, changes in blood pressure and fast heart rate.

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Medical Analysis Technique Laboratory No.:
Practical Medical Microbiology Date:

Bacterial morphology

 C. tetani is a rod-shaped
 Gram-positive bacterium, typically up to 0.5 μm wide and 2.5 μm long.
 It is motile by way of various flagella that surround its body.
 is an obligate anaerobic, C. tetani cannot grow in the presence of oxygen.
 It grows best at temperatures ranging from 33 to 37°C.

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Medical Analysis Technique Laboratory No.:
Practical Medical Microbiology Date:

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Medical Analysis Technique Laboratory No.:
Practical Medical Microbiology Date:

Properties (Clostridium
Biochemical test
tetani)

Capsule Negative (-ve)

Catalase Negative (-ve)

Flagella Peritrichous

Gas Positive (+ve)

Gelatin Hydrolysis Positive (+ve)

Gram-stain-positive, but
become Gram-stain-
Gram Staining
negative after approximately
24 h incubation.

H2S Positive (+ve)

Hemolysis Positive (+ve)

Indole Variable

Motility Positive (+ve)

Nitrate Reduction Negative (-ve)

Spore Positive (+ve)

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