Clostridium tetani, the causative agent of tetanus, is a gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobic bacterium that exists ubiquitously and stably throughout nature. Infection with C.tetani can result in the release of potent exotoxins that can progress into protracted, convulsive spasms and muscle rigidity. In severe cases, it can cause death. Treatment involves wound care, administration of tetanus immune globulin, antibiotics and supportive care.
Clinically, C.tetani is diagnosed symptomatically rather than microbiologically since the onset of symptoms often precedes attempts to culture the organism. As a result, literature and research surrounding C. tetani has been focused more on its neurotoxins and genome sequence, with limited information available on its isolation and identification in a laboratory setting.
We report the case of an 84 year-old female patient, who presented with a necrotic elbow wound, sustained after falling against a brick wall. C. tetani was successfully identified as part of a routine swab culture. This poster will explore the microbiological techniques involved in the culture and isolation of C.tetani and its clinical considerations.