Tetanus

**Definition:** A disease of the skeletal muscle fibres, caused by an infection with the gram-positive bacteria Clostridium tetani. This disease is characterised by muscle spasms. Transmission is by direct contact of Clostridium tetani to an open wound.

**Long definition:** A disease characterized by systemic muscle spasms arising from Clostridium tetani infection after contamination of an open wound by soil, saliva or feces.

**Exclusions:** - Obstetrical tetanus - Tetanus neonatorum