What kind of infection does tetanus cause?

Tetanus is primarily caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which produces a potent neurotoxin. This infection does not manifest as a superficial skin infection or a viral rash but instead leads to a serious condition characterized by muscular stiffness and spasms. The hallmark of tetanus is the tetanic convulsions, where muscles contract uncontrollably, often beginning in the jaw and then progressing throughout the body. These symptoms relate closely to the nervous system and not to typical systemic infections that affect multiple organs. The disease often results in significant complications due to the body’s reaction to the toxin rather than a traditional fever seen in other infectious processes. Understanding that tetanus is a bacterial infection involving nerve pathways rather than a typical systemic or viral infection clarifies why the chosen answer aligns with the nature of this disease.