Introduction of Tetanus Toxoid

Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease that is caused by a potent neurotoxin produced by the spore-forming bacterium Clostridium tetani. The spores of C. tetani are present in the environment throughout the world and can contaminate wounds, minor abrasions, and, in neonatal tetanus, the umbilical stump. In anaerobic conditions, the spores of C. tetani produce vegetative bacteria, which express the tetanus toxin and cause the disease.