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==Description==

==Description==

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium ''Clostridium tetani''. Physiologically, the term "tetanus" refers to continuous sustained muscle contraction.  

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the soil-inhabiting bacterium ''Clostridium tetani''.  

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

''Clostridium tetani'' generally cause infection via wound contamination. Cuts or deep puncture wounds are most commonly infected. ''C. tetani''produces tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin that inhibits the release of the neurotransmitters GABA and glycine from interneurons in the spinal cord and brain. Thi causes increased excitation of the brainstem and motor neurons, leading to unopposed muscle contraction.  

''Clostridium tetani'' generally cause infection via wound contamination. Cuts or deep puncture wounds are most commonly infected. ''C. tetani''produces tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin that inhibits the release of the neurotransmitters GABA and glycine from interneurons in the spinal cord and brain. This causes increased excitation of the brainstem and motor neurons, leading to unopposed muscle contraction.  

 

*** Above this threshold, muscle fibres enter a state of tetanus.

*** Above this threshold, muscle fibres enter a state of tetanus.

**** Muscle spasm is initially present in the muscles of the jaw.

**** Muscle spasm is initially present in the muscles of the jaw.