where is clostridium tetani found in the body
gastrointestinal tract
title: Tetanus text: bacterium "Clostridium tetani". Tetanus is an international health problem, as "C. tetani" endospores are ubiquitous. Endospores can be introduced into the body through a puncture wound (penetrating trauma). Due to "C. tetani" being an anaerobic bacterium, it and its endospores thrive in environments that lack oxygen, such as a puncture wound. The disease occurs almost exclusively in persons inadequately immunized. It is more common in hot, damp climates with soil rich in organic matter. Manure-treated soils may contain spores, as they are widely distributed in the intestines and feces of many animals such as horses, sheep, cattle, dogs, cats, rats, title: Clostridium tetani text: and tetanospasmin as cells lyse. The function of tetanolysin is unclear, although it may help "C. tetani" to establish infection within a wound. Tetanospasmin (also called "tetanus toxin") is one of the most potent toxins known, with an estimated lethal dose of less than 2.5 nanograms per kilogram of body weight, and is responsible for the symptoms of tetanus. Tetanospasmin spreads via the lymphatic system and bloodstream throughout the body, where it is taken up into various parts of the nervous system. In the nervous system, tetanospasmin acts by blocking the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitters glycine and gamma-aminobutyric acid title: Interstitium text: Interstitium The interstitium is a contiguous fluid-filled space existing between a structural barrier, such as a cell wall or the skin, and internal structures, such as organs, including muscles and the circulatory system. The fluid in this space is called "interstitial fluid", comprises water and solutes, and drains into the lymph system. The interstitial compartment is composed of connective and supporting tissues within the body – called the extracellular matrix – that are situated outside the blood and lymphatic vessels and the parenchyma of organs. The non-fluid parts of the interstitium are predominantly collagen types I, III, and V, elastin, title: Clostridium tetani text: at motor nerve endings. This blockade leads to the widespread activation of motor neurons and spasming of muscles throughout the body. These muscle spasms generally begin at the top of the body and move down, beginning approximately 8 days after infection with lockjaw, followed by spasms of the abdominal muscles, and the limbs. Muscle spasms continue for several weeks. The gene encoding tetanospasmin is found on a plasmid carried by many strains of "C. tetani"; strains of bacteria lacking the plasmid are unable to produce toxin. The function of tetanospasmin in bacterial physiology is unknown. "C. tetani" is susceptible to title: Tetanus text: Tetanus is caused by an infection with the bacterium "Clostridium tetani", which is commonly found in soil, saliva, dust, and manure. The bacteria generally enter through a break in the skin such as a cut or puncture wound by a contaminated object. They produce toxins that interfere with normal muscle contractions. Diagnosis is based on the presenting signs and symptoms. The disease does not spread between people. Tetanus can be prevented by immunization with the tetanus vaccine. In those who have a significant wound and have had less than three doses of the vaccine, both vaccination and tetanus immune globulin