Is tetanus infectious or noninfectious

Answer 1

Tetanus is a little different than other bacteria and how bacteria are transmitted. Tetanus must have two things: a place to colonize and a method of entry. It isn't about metal objects, but metal that rusts, and rust causes rough surfaces where the Clostridium tetani bacteria (causes tetanus) can colonize. But I can walk up to a rusty handrail but not get tetanus--why is that. Tetanus is most often caused by stepping on a rusty metal and receiving a very deep puncture. It doesn't have to be a nail, per se, but any thin, sharp metal that goes deep enough into the tissues. Rusty nails, though, are perfect for this because they are thinly shaped, very sharp, long, and because it's stepped on, all the body's weight comes down on the foot as the nail is driven into the tissue. Because it is deep into the tissues, the nail and the rust's roughness punctures through to small blood vessels. Clostridium tetani bacteria then quickly receive oxygen and nutrient rich access from the blood supply. The bacteria quickly establish colonies, and infect the tissues. Bacteria put out bad proteins that are toxins to the body. Because the blood vessels got injured too, the toxins can more quickly enter the bloodstream and spread toxins and bacteria throughout the body.

On the other hand, if I just begin to step my foot down and feel the tip of the nail enter through my bare foot or thin sole of shoes or flip-flops, I'll likely quickly lift my foot as I hop aside---it's a reflex--as I try not to put my foot down and have the nail go in further. If I can quickly sit down, I can pull out the nail tip and limit the damage. If it only punctured the skin and I clean the wound well, I likely will not get the colony or its toxins. It will likely not infect my bloodstream. But if it went in deeper, it's not easy to get disinfectant or antimicrobial agents to the deeper site. This is also why we must protect other people by throwing the nail away where no one else can step on it.

But as to your question, if I get tetanus in my foot and it spreads through my bloodstream, you would not "catch" it, even if we lived in the same house, ate after each other, had sex, kissed, etc. Tetanus is NOT airborne. You do NOT get it from simply touching rust (though you should wash you hands anyway) nor from touching/hugging a person affected from tetanus. It is NOT sexually transmitted.

Answer 2

A noncommunicable disesase is directly acquired from the environment and is not easily transmitted to next host. Tetanus is one of these. It exists in nature on its own and does not require a host to survive

Answer 3

Tetanus is not communicable, meaning it cannot be passed from person to person. It is contracted from wounds by contaminated objects.

Answer 4

it's an non infectious disease

Answer 5

Noninfectious.

Answer 6

No.

Answer 7

Infectious.