Tetanus, otherwise known as lockjaw, is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, which can be found in dust, dirt and feces.
Due to childhood immunization, tetanus is rare in the United States; only about 50 cases per year are reported. However, when tetanus runs its course, it is fatal nearly 50 percent of the time. Approximately one million infants in developing countries die of tetanus per year due to poor hygiene.
Tetanus is most likely to settle in deep puncture wounds, that do not bleed or receive oxygen, however, tetanus can infect burns, or minors cuts, abrasions, and blisters.
When tetanus infects a wound, it releases a toxin called tetanospasmin into the blood that travels to the brain. Once in the brain, it affects muscle control and interferes with respiration.
