Is Clostridium tetani a gram-positive or gram-negative bacterium?

Tetanus bacilli belong to Gram-positive bacteria. This classification is based on the structural characteristics of bacterial cell walls and has significant guiding value for clinical infection prevention, control, and treatment planning. The detailed analysis is as follows:

The key distinguishing feature between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria lies in the thickness of the peptidoglycan layer in the cell wall. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer and appear purple after Gram staining. The staining reaction of tetanus bacilli fully conforms to this characteristic. This bacterium is an obligate anaerobe commonly found in oxygen-deficient environments such as soil and feces. It easily colonizes and proliferates in deep, heavily contaminated wounds with hypoxic conditions. The primary pathogenic mechanism of tetanus bacilli is the production of tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin that affects the nervous system, causing muscle rigidity and spasms. In severe cases, it may impair respiratory function.

In clinical identification, Gram staining serves as one of the rapid diagnostic criteria. Treatment requires antibiotics effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Proper wound management is essential in daily practice; contaminated wounds should be promptly and properly treated. Active immunization through vaccination enhances resistance and reduces the risk of infection at its source.