Gram positive rod
Strict anaerobe (note: rust removes oxygen)
Spore-former (terminal spore)
Spores survive autoclaving (121C); also resistant
to phenol and other chemical agents.
Spores widely distributed in soil and in the intestines
and feces of many animals, including dogs and cats.
Found also in contaminated heroin; quinine used to dilute
the heroin supports the growth of C. tetani.
[Source: www.cdc.gov]
http://www.zuova.cz/nrl/pic/nrlpab23_clte1.jpg
http://www.humanillnesses.com/original/images/hdc_0001_0003_0_img0264.jpg
Clostridium tetani spores, magnified about 3,000 times
their actual size.
© Alfred Pasieka, Peter Arnold, Inc.