Question

A person steps on a rusty nail and develops tetanus. In this case, the person has acquired a(n) ______ disease.

Short answer

infectious

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Type of Disease

First, determine the nature of diseases. Diseases can be either infectious or non-infectious. Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.

Determine the Cause

Next, identify what causes tetanus. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is often found in soil, dust, and manure. This bacterium can enter the body through breaks in the skin, such as a puncture wound from a rusty nail.

Classify the Disease

Given that tetanus is caused by a bacterium, classify it as an infectious disease. Infectious diseases are those that can be spread, either directly or indirectly, from one person to another.

Conclude the Nature of the Disease

Based on the cause (Clostridium tetani bacterium) and the classification of infectious diseases, conclude that tetanus is indeed an infectious disease.

Key concepts

infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These diseases can spread directly from person to person, or indirectly through various vectors like insects or contaminated surfaces.
When someone contracts an infectious disease, it means a pathogen has managed to enter their body and multiply.
The symptoms and severity of the infection depend on the type of pathogen and the body's immune response.
Examples of infectious diseases include the flu, tuberculosis, malaria, and tetanus.
In the case of tetanus, the disease is spread through the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This pathogen is often found in soil, dust, and animal feces and enters the body through broken skin.

Clostridium tetani

Clostridium tetani is the bacterium responsible for causing tetanus.
This bacterium thrives in anaerobic (oxygen-free) environments and is commonly found in contaminated soil, dust, and manure.
The bacteria usually enter the body through deep puncture wounds, like those from rusty nails or splinters, where the low oxygen environment provides ideal conditions for growth.
Once inside the body, Clostridium tetani spores can produce a toxin called tetanospasmin.
This toxin affects the nervous system, causing severe muscle spasms and stiffness.
Vaccination is an effective way to prevent tetanus, and proper wound care is crucial for avoiding infection.

pathogens

Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease. They come in various forms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Each type of pathogen has its own mechanisms for infecting hosts and spreading.
For example, bacteria like Clostridium tetani can multiply in body tissues and produce toxins, while viruses invade cells and take over their machinery to reproduce.
Pathogens can be transmitted through different routes:

• Direct contact
• Indirect contact (via contaminated surfaces)
• Insect bites
• Consuming contaminated food or water
• Breathing contaminated air

Understanding how pathogens work and how they are transmitted is key to preventing and controlling infectious diseases.
Measures like vaccination, sanitation, and good hygiene practices are effective in reducing the spread of pathogens.