Tetanus is usually spread by contact with which?

Tetanus is usually spread by contact with which?

• A. Contaminated water
• B. Contaminated air
• C. Contaminated soil
• D. Contaminated food

Answer: (C)

Tetanus transmission happens when spores of Clostridium tetani, common in soil, enter the body through a wound. In an environment where soil contacts a break in the skin, those spores can germinate in the low-oxygen setting and release the toxin that causes the illness. Since tetanus does not spread from person to person, contaminated water, air, or food aren’t the typical routes. The presence of soil as an environmental reservoir that can contaminate a wound is why contaminated soil is the best answer.

Tetanus transmission happens when spores of Clostridium tetani, common in soil, enter the body through a wound. In an environment where soil contacts a break in the skin, those spores can germinate in the low-oxygen setting and release the toxin that causes the illness. Since tetanus does not spread from person to person, contaminated water, air, or food aren’t the typical routes. The presence of soil as an environmental reservoir that can contaminate a wound is why contaminated soil is the best answer.