Tetanus is a special type of infection that can enter the human body through skin, mucous membranes, or wounds and grows and reproduces in anaerobic conditions.

The likelihood of a tetanus infection depends mainly on the depth and size of the wound, as well as what caused the wound. If the wound was caused by rusty nails or unclean sharp objects, and is both deep and large, the possibility of developing a tetanus infection is higher.

Conversely, smaller or superficial wounds caused by relatively clean sharp objects are less likely to result in a tetanus infection.