On Sat, 29 Jul 2006 18:44:36 +0530, Vivek.M wrote:
Here's another nice link from a online microbiology text:
http://www.bact.wisc.edu/Microtextbo...icle&artid=139
Nice book - looks interesting - has lots of basic stuff on microbes -
quite cool.

I'll quote the interesting bits with regard to C.Tetani :

"These catalytic proteins are some of the most toxic substances known
with lethal doses for a mouse being between 0.1 to 1 ng/kg of body
weight."

"Before vaccination greatly reduced the incidence of tetanus, any deep
wound was a potential breeding ground for this pathogen."

"Today, tetanus is most common in the elderly who have not kept
current with their vaccinations. Interestingly, gardening is an
activity that tends to be correlated with cases of tetanus."

"Microbes of the Clostridium genus are Gram positive and strictly
anaerobic, fermenting a wide variety of organic molecules. They are
capable of forming endospores and because of this are ubiquitous in
the environment. About one-third of soil samples contain C. tetani,
and C. botulinum is equally common. "

"Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent fatality in
each case. Assistance in breathing may be necessary in severe cases,
and this may be necessary for weeks or months."

"Boosters are given to adults in the form of the tetanus and
diphtheria vaccine every 10 years. "

Anyway, hopefully ppl will update their license and maybe this could
be added to the URG FAQ, as a cautionary note to newbies to gardening.
I'll mail Mr.Cormaic regarding this. Night all.