Which statement is not true about Clostridium tetani?

Which statement is not true about Clostridium tetani?

• A. It produces rapid tissue necrosis
• B. It is a gram-positive spore-forming bacillus
• C. Microorganisms in soil contaminate puncture wounds
• D. Disease is caused by an exotoxin acting on the central nervous system

Answer: (A)

Rapid tissue necrosis is not a typical feature of Clostridium tetani. This organism causes tetanus through a potent exotoxin (tetanospasmin) that travels to the central nervous system and inhibits inhibitory neurotransmitters, leading to unregulated motor neuron activity and spastic paralysis rather than tissue destruction. Clostridium tetani itself is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacillus commonly found in soil; puncture wounds or contaminated wounds provide the anaerobic conditions that allow the bacteria to grow and produce toxin. The disease result is toxin-mediated CNS effects, not direct necrosis of tissue. The other statements align with what is known about tetanus: it is a Gram-positive spore-forming bacillus, soil contamination of puncture wounds is a common route, and the disease is caused by an exotoxin acting on the CNS.

Rapid tissue necrosis is not a typical feature of Clostridium tetani. This organism causes tetanus through a potent exotoxin (tetanospasmin) that travels to the central nervous system and inhibits inhibitory neurotransmitters, leading to unregulated motor neuron activity and spastic paralysis rather than tissue destruction. Clostridium tetani itself is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacillus commonly found in soil; puncture wounds or contaminated wounds provide the anaerobic conditions that allow the bacteria to grow and produce toxin. The disease result is toxin-mediated CNS effects, not direct necrosis of tissue. The other statements align with what is known about tetanus: it is a Gram-positive spore-forming bacillus, soil contamination of puncture wounds is a common route, and the disease is caused by an exotoxin acting on the CNS.