Which statement is correct about Clostridium tetani?

• A. It is proteolytic.
• B. It is lecithinase positive.
• C. It is characteristically nonmotile.
• D. It produces terminal spores.

Answer: (D)

Clostridium tetani is best recognized by its endospore placement. The spores are terminal, located at the end of the rod, which gives a distinctive drumstick appearance under the microscope and is a classic identifying feature for this species. This characteristic is reliable for distinguishing it from other Clostridium species.

Other statements don’t fit its typical traits. It’s not known for proteolysis, nor for lecithinase (phospholipase C) activity—that pattern is more associated with other organisms like Clostridium perfringens. And the organism is motile, so the description of being nonmotile isn’t accurate.