What Are the Differences between Clostridium tetani and Clostridium sporogenes?

Clostridium tetani, also known as tetanus bacillus, is a bacterium that can cause tetanus disease. Typically, this bacterium can be found in soil or the feces of humans and animals. If our wounds come into contact with contaminated soil after being scratched, there is a risk of contracting tetanus. Therefore, to avoid infection by Clostridium tetani, it is advisable to receive a tetanus vaccination.

Clostridium tetani is the pathogenic bacterium that causes tetanus. It exists abundantly in the intestines of humans and animals and can cause disease through wound infections after contaminating soil with feces. The reproductive resistance of this bacterium is similar to other bacteria, but its spores possess strong resistance. They can survive in soil for decades and can withstand boiling for 40 to 50 minutes. They are sensitive to penicillin, and sulfonamides have antibacterial effects. Once tetanus develops, the treatment is often not effective, making prevention extremely important.

1. Artificial active immunization involves planned tetanus toxoid vaccination for individuals who are prone to injuries. The vaccination schedule involves two doses for basic immunity in the first year, followed by a booster dose in the second year, and then subsequent boosters every 5 to 10 years. For children aged 3 to 6 months, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) vaccine can be used for immunization, providing immunity against these three common diseases. The immunization schedule includes three consecutive doses at 3, 4, and 5 months after birth, followed by boosters at 2 and 7 years of age to establish basic immunity.

2. Artificial passive immunization is used for suspected patients with deep wounds contaminated with soil and debris. Besides immediate debridement and wound expansion to prevent the formation of anaerobic microenvironments, tetanus antitoxin (TAT) can be injected as an emergency preventive or specific treatment. TAT should be administered early and in sufficient dosages, as the antitoxin cannot neutralize the toxic effects once the toxin binds to cell receptors. Skin testing should be performed prior to TAT administration, and desensitization injection or human tetanus immunoglobulin may be used if necessary. Antibiotics such as penicillin can eliminate pathogenic bacteria at the wound site.