- Caused by Clostridium tetani:
- Gram-positive, rod-shaped anaerobe
- Spore-forming organism:
- Spores very resistant to heat and most antiseptics
- Spores are ubiquitous in the environment particularly in soil and faeces:
- Manure treated soil large reservoir – agricultural workers at high risk
- May be found in contaminated heroin increasing risk in IV drug use
