What are the differences between tetanus and rabies?

　　The main differences between tetanus and rabies lie in aspects such as different pathogens, mechanisms of disease, transmission routes, clinical manifestations, and prevention methods. If injured by a rusty object or bitten by an animal, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately.

　　1. Different pathogens: Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium widely present in soil and dirt; rabies is caused by the rabies virus, belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family, primarily found in the saliva of infected animals. The two differ completely in type and characteristics.

　　2. Different disease mechanisms: The spasmogenic toxin produced by Clostridium tetani invades the nervous system, causing tonic spasms of skeletal muscles throughout the body; the rabies virus primarily attacks the central nervous system, disrupting neural function and triggering specific symptoms. Their targets and mechanisms of damage are fundamentally distinct.

　　3. Different transmission routes: Tetanus usually enters the body through deep, contaminated wounds that provide an anaerobic environment for bacterial growth; rabies is mainly transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, with the virus entering the body via wounds, requiring direct contact with infectious animal secretions.

　　4. Different clinical manifestations: Classic signs of tetanus include lockjaw, opisthotonus, and generalized muscle convulsions, without hydrophobia; rabies is characterized by hydrophobia, aerophobia, pharyngeal muscle spasms, and progressive paralysis, often leading to death due to respiratory failure in later stages—its symptoms are highly specific.

　　5. Different prevention methods: Tetanus can be prevented through tetanus vaccination or administration of tetanus antitoxin after injury; rabies prevention primarily involves post-exposure vaccination and injection of rabies immunoglobulin, both requiring complete and standardized dosing schedules.

　　In daily life, avoid contact with sharp, rusty objects. Clean wounds promptly after animal bites, regularly vaccinate pet animals, maintain a clean living environment, and reduce the risk of infection.