Clostridium<unk> ani is durable due to its endospores. Pictured is the bacterium alone, with a spore being produced, and the spore alone.<unk>  is caused by the<unk>  bacterium Clostridium<unk> ani.<unk>  is an international health problem, as C.<unk> ani endospores are ubiquitous. Endospores can be introduced into the body through a puncture wound (penetrating trauma). Due to C.<unk> ani being an anaerobic bacterium, it and its endospores thrive in environments that lack oxygen, such as a puncture wound. With the changes in oxygen levels, the drumstick-shaped endospore can result in quick spread. The disease occurs almost exclusively in persons inadequately immunized. It is more common in hot, damp climates with soil rich in organic matter. Manure-treated soils may contain spores, as they are widely distributed in the intestines and feces of many animals such as horses, sheep, cattle, dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, and chickens. In agricultural areas, a significant number of human adults may harbor the organism. The spores can also be found on skin surfaces and in contaminated heroin. Heroin users, particularly those who inject the drug subcutaneously, appear to be at high risk of contracting<unk> . Rarely,<unk>  can be contracted through surgical procedures, intramuscular injections, compound fractures, and dental infections. Animal bites can transmit<unk> .<unk>  is often associated with rust, especially rusty nails. Although rust itself does not cause<unk> , objects that accumulate rust are often found outdoors or in places that harbor anaerobic bacteria. Additionally, the rough surface of rusty metal provides crevices for dirt containing C.<unk> ani, while a nail affords a means to puncture skin and deliver endospores deep within the body at the site of the wound. An endospore is a non-metabolizing survival structure that begins to metabolize and cause infection once in an adequate environment. Hence, stepping on a nail (rusty or not) may result in a<unk>  infection, as the low-oxygen (anaerobic) environment may exist under the skin, and the puncturing object can deliver endospores to a suitable environment for growth. It is a common misconception that rust itself is the cause and that a puncture from a rust-free nail is not a risk.
Tetanus
Brain fever
Leukemia cutis
Metal fume fever
Polymer fume fever
Milk sickness
Enterotoxemia
Tomato fever