*Clostridium tetani* produces the toxin TeNT which interacts with neuronal cells that poisons them and causes spasms in these areas.

University of Wisconsin - Madison

*Clostridium tetani* causes the disease tetanus. *C. tetani* makes a neurotoxin that can interact with the neurons in the central nervous system and inhibit nerves causing paralysis. This benefits the survival of the pathogen but is life threatening for the host. 

Parasitism of *Clostridium tetani* as a human pathogen

Neonatal tetanus occurs shortly after birth from *C. tetani* infection.

Neonatal Tetanus

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Virulence Factors of *Clostridium tetani*

The most common symptom of tetanus are the muscle spasms associated with the toxins produced by *Clostridium tetani*. These can be localized in different areas of the body.

Signs and Symptoms of Tetanus

Infants with neonatal tetanus develop rigidity with spasms and are irritable. 

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