Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria called Clostridium tetani. When these bacteria enter the body, they produce a toxin that causes painful muscle contractions. Another name for tetanus is “lockjaw”. It often causes a person's neck and jaw muscles to lock, making it hard to open the mouth or swallow.
Just over 200 years ago, tetanus was thought to be a demonic obsession, as those afflicted suffered from sudden muscle contractions and stiffness. Today, however, we know that tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which affects the nervous system. The characteristic position of this disease is called opisthotonos.
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