BACILLUS TETANI 105 



BACILLUS TETANI 



Tetanus or lockjaw is a disease characterized by 

 tonic and clonic spasms of the muscles due to the effect 

 of the soluble poisons of the Bacillus tetani or tetanus 

 bacillus upon the central nervous system. This 

 poison, like that of the diphtheria germ, is separable 

 or extracellular. It is produced by the bacteria, 

 absorbed along the motor nerves, and carried to the 

 brain and cord. Tetanus bacilli enter the body almost 

 invariably by punctured or lacerated wounds. They 

 multiply in the deep covered position afforded by such 

 wounds, but are not themselves taken up by the blood 

 to be distributed throughout the body, only their 

 poisons being absorbed. The bacteria are common in 

 soil, manure, dust from covered places, wood, and the 

 like. 



Their vitality is considerable, due to the formation 

 of resistant spores. Wounds carry the germs beneath 

 the skin, where they lie covered and hidden in the 

 deeper tissues. They do not grow in the presence of 

 oxygen (anaerobic), so that their secluded place in the 

 depths of wounds favors their development and that 

 of their toxin. If other germs are introduced the tissues 

 are further devitalized by them, and favorable con- 

 ditions for tetanus increased. Either spores or vege- 

 tating germs may be introduced on rusty nails, splinters 

 of wood or glass, blank cartridge plugs, or the grinding 

 of dirt into wounds. Tetanus sometimes appears in 

 the newborn or in the puerperal mother, particularly 

 after instrumental delivery. Ordinary gelatine is said 

 to often contain spores. 



