Clostridium tetani
Clostridium tetani is a common soil bacterium and the causative agent of tetanus. Vegetative cells of "C. tetani" are usually rod-shaped and up to 2.5 μm long, but they become enlarged and tennis racket- or drumstick-shaped when forming spores. "C. tetani" spores are extremely hardy and can be found globally in soil or in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. If inoculated into a wound, "C. tetani" can grow and produce a potent toxin, tetanospasmin, which interferes with motor neurons, causing tetanus. The toxin's action can be prevented with tetanus toxoid vaccines, which are often administered to children worldwide.