BACILLUS TETANI Meaning and
Definition
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Bacillus tetani is a bacterium that belongs to the phylum Firmicutes and the family Bacillaceae. It is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium known for its ability to cause the infectious disease tetanus in humans and animals.
Tetanus is a serious condition characterized by prolonged muscle contractions, often leading to stiffness and spasms, as well as other symptoms like difficulty swallowing and breathing. It is caused when the spores of Bacillus tetani enter the body through wounds or breaks in the skin, where they are able to germinate and produce toxins. These toxins, called tetanospasmin, travel through the bloodstream and bind to nerve endings, specifically inhibitory neurons, blocking the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters. As a result, normal muscle relaxation is hindered, leading to muscle rigidity and spasms.
Bacillus tetani is commonly found in soil, dust, and animal feces, and it can easily contaminate wounds that come into contact with these sources. The spores are highly resistant and can survive in harsh environments for extended periods of time. Prevention of tetanus involves completing a primary series of vaccinations during childhood, followed by booster doses to maintain immunity throughout adulthood.
In summary, Bacillus tetani is a gram-positive bacterium that causes the disease tetanus by producing toxins that affect the body's neuromuscular system. It is primarily found in soil and animal feces and is preventable through vaccination.
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A motile, gram-positive b. with a large spore at one end, the specific cause of tetanus; it was isolated by Nicolaier in 1884.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BACILLUS TETANI
- vacillus tetani
- nacillus tetani
- hacillus tetani
- gacillus tetani
- bzcillus tetani
- bscillus tetani
- bwcillus tetani
- bqcillus tetani
- baxillus tetani
- bavillus tetani
- bafillus tetani
- badillus tetani
- bacullus tetani
- bacjllus tetani
- backllus tetani
- bacollus tetani
- bac9llus tetani
- bac8llus tetani
- baciklus tetani
- baciplus tetani
Etymology of BACILLUS TETANI
The word "Bacillus tetani" has its etymological roots in Latin and Greek.
- "Bacillus" originates from the Latin word "bacillum", meaning a small rod or staff. It is a diminutive of the Latin word "baculum", which means a stick or cane. In the context of microbiology, "bacillus" refers to a rod-shaped bacterium.
- "Tetani" comes from the Greek word "tetanos", which means tension or stiffness. This term was used in ancient medicine to describe a specific medical condition characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms.
When combined, "Bacillus tetani" refers to a specific rod-shaped bacterium (Bacillus) that causes the medical condition known as tetanus (tetani).
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