Which statement best describes Clostridium tetani?

Which statement best describes Clostridium tetani?

• A. It is proteolytic
• B. It is lecithinase positive
• C. It is characteristically nonmotile
• D. It produces terminal spores

Answer: (B)

Clostridium tetani is best recognized by its spore arrangement. The characteristic feature is that it forms terminal spores, meaning the spores sit at the end of the rod and give the organism a distinctive “tennis racket” or drumstick appearance under the microscope. This spore position is a classic diagnostic clue used to distinguish C. tetani from other Clostridium species. Beyond morphology, C. tetani is an obligate anaerobe that produces the potent neurotoxin tetanospasmin, which causes the clinical signs of tetanus. It does not rely on lecithinase activity as a defining trait; lecithinase (phospholipase C) production is more associated with other organisms such as C. perfringens. So, among the statements, the terminal-spore feature is the most specific and reliable descriptor for C. tetani.

Clostridium tetani is best recognized by its spore arrangement. The characteristic feature is that it forms terminal spores, meaning the spores sit at the end of the rod and give the organism a distinctive “tennis racket” or drumstick appearance under the microscope. This spore position is a classic diagnostic clue used to distinguish C. tetani from other Clostridium species.

Beyond morphology, C. tetani is an obligate anaerobe that produces the potent neurotoxin tetanospasmin, which causes the clinical signs of tetanus. It does not rely on lecithinase activity as a defining trait; lecithinase (phospholipase C) production is more associated with other organisms such as C. perfringens. So, among the statements, the terminal-spore feature is the most specific and reliable descriptor for C. tetani.