Why is it common to get tetanus from a rusty nail when rust is a sign of oxidation?

Question

Rust comes when iron oxidizes from the presence of air. Tetanus is anerobic bacteria. So why do people say you can get it from rusty stuff (other than the puncturing of the skin part)?

Answer 1

Tetanus is often associated with rust, especially rusty nails, but this is somewhat misleading. Rust itself does not cause tetanus or contain more C. tetani bacteria. Objects that accumulate rust are often found in the outdoors or places that generally contain more bacteria. Since C. tetani is an anaerobic bacterium, it will thrive in an environment that lacks oxygen. Therefore, stepping on an old forgotten nail in a stable could easily result in tetanus, partly because C. tetani is found in animal feces (which is rather abundant in a stable) and the puncture wound would effectively create an ideal breeding ground for the bacteria (because of the lack of oxygen). Such an old nail would likely be rusty, but a lack of rust would provide no protection. On the other hand, someone scratching themselves against a rusty fire escape ladder in an urban setting would have a much lesser chance of getting tetanus since fire escape ladders do not often come into intimate contact with soil, dirt or organic waste and the wound itself (eg a scratch) does not create an oxygen-poor environment.

Answer 2

You CAN get tetanus from a rusty nail, but I wouldn't say it's common. You can just as easily get tetanus from a non-rusted nail, if it's come in contact with soil, dirt or organic waste.

Answer 3

Tetanus isn't caused by a rusty objects. As you say it's caused by the bacteria and can infect any type of puncture wound where debris gets stuck inside and the bacteria can flourish.

Answer 4

Rust is iron oxide and tetanus germs(clostridia) stay there.