Acute disease caused by the toxin of the
bacillus Clostridium tetani, which usually
enters the body through a wound. The
bacterium is chiefly found in richly manured
soil. Untreated, in seven to ten days tetanus
produces muscular spasm and rigidity of the
jaw spreading to the other muscles,
convulsions, and death. There is a preventive
vaccine series, and the disease may be
treatable with tetanus antitoxin and
antibiotics.