Nickname: Tetanus

Morphology: Anaerobic gram-positive spore-forming rod

Habitat: Lives naturally in soil and in the intestines of many animals; lives and grows without oxygen (anaerobe)

Disease or illness: Causes tetanus (lockjaw) in humans and animals, often occurring after a deep puncture wound

Who is at risk: Anyone who allows the bacteria to enter his or her body

Avoidance techniques: Get childhood vaccinations (DPT) and re-vaccinate every 5 – 10 years; do not go barefoot outside where nails or other pointed objects may puncture your skin

“If you puncture your skin – that’s how I get in”