Question

Which of the following causes Tetanus?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Virus
• C. Fungi
• D. None of the above

Hint:

The organism responsible is Clostridium tetani, which lives in soil and enters the body through wounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

This question tests basic knowledge of microbiology and the causes of common infectious diseases. Matching tetanus to the correct class of microorganism is the key step.

1. Bacteria: Tetanus is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. This bacterium lives in soil, dust, and animal waste, and enters the body through cuts or wounds. Once inside, it produces a powerful toxin called tetanospasmin that attacks the nervous system and causes the severe muscle stiffness and spasms known as lockjaw.
2. Virus: Viral diseases include illnesses such as influenza, measles, and polio, but tetanus is not one of them.
3. Fungi: Fungal infections include conditions like ringworm and athlete's foot, which are different from tetanus and caused by an entirely different type of organism.
4. None of the above: Since tetanus does have a known cause, a bacterium, this option does not apply.

Because Clostridium tetani is classified as a bacterium and is the confirmed cause of tetanus, the correct classification is bacteria.

Let's summarize:

• Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through wounds.
• The bacterium's toxin, not a virus or fungus, is responsible for the muscle spasms seen in tetanus.

The correct answer is Bacteria.