- Toxin produced by anaerobic gram positive rod
- Exposure via contaminated wounds
- Toxin taken up by pre-synaptic side of NMJ--> travels to spinal cord--> blocks release of inhibitory neurotransmitters--> spasticity
- Vaccination markedly decreases incidence dz w/50 cases/y US
- ~1w incubation, increased tone in jaw muscles, dysphagia, diffuse musle pain/spasms, sweating, airway compromise