<unk>  is a medical condition that is characterized by a prolonged contraction of skeletal muscle fibers. The primary symptoms are caused by<unk> pasmin, a neurotoxin produced by the Gram-positive, obligate anaerobic bacterium Clostridium<unk> ani. Infection generally occurs through wound contamination, and often involves a cut or deep puncture wound. As the infection progresses, muscle spasms in the jaw develop hence the common name, lockjaw. This is followed by difficulty swallowing and general muscle stiffness and spasms in other parts of the body. Infection can be prevented by proper immunization and by post-exposure prophylaxis.<unk>  affects skeletal muscle, a type of striated muscle. The other type of striated muscle, cardiac or heart muscle cannot be<unk> anized because of their intrinsic electrical properties. In recent years, approximately 11% of reported<unk>  cases have been fatal. The highest mortality rates are in unvaccinated persons and persons over 60 years of age. C.<unk> ani, the bacteria that causes<unk> , is recovered from the initial wound in only about 30% of cases, and can be found in patients who do not have<unk> .
The clinical manifestations of<unk>  are caused when<unk>  toxin blocks inhibitory nerve impulses, by interfering with the release of neurotransmitters. This leads to unopposed muscle contraction and spasm. Seizures may occur, and the autonomic nervous system may also be affected. The term<unk> any refers to sustained muscle contraction that is not caused by<unk> .
Tetanus
Infant botulism
Cotton fever
Poliomyelitis
Chickenpox
Herpes zoster
Listeriosis
Malaise