Clostridium tetani is a Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium, which is commonly found in the soil and is responsible for causing tetanus. It is an anaerobic bacteria that can not survive in the presence of oxygen.
In anaerobic conditions, clostridium tetani produces an extremely potent neurotoxin called tetanospasmin, also known as tetanus toxin. This toxin interferes with the motor neurons and causes tetanus.
