What condition involves the muscle spasms and paralysis due to toxin action on the nervous system?

The condition characterized by muscle spasms and paralysis due to the action of a toxin on the nervous system is tetanus. Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which affects the nervous system by interfering with the normal functioning of motor neurons. This interference leads to sustained muscle contractions and spasms, particularly in the jaw and neck, which is commonly referred to as "lockjaw." This condition highlights the critical relationship between bacterial activity and neurological function, showcasing how a microbial toxin can disrupt normal body mechanics and lead to severe muscle rigidity and spasms.

In contrast, septicemia involves the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome, but does not specifically involve muscle spasms or paralysis. The plague is primarily caused by Yersinia pestis and results in symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph nodes but is not associated with the same mechanism as tetanus. Rabies, while it affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis, is primarily known for causing encephalitis and is transmitted through animal bites rather than being caused by a toxin affecting muscle contractions directly. Thus, tetanus is distinctly defined by its hallmark muscle symptoms resulting from toxin-mediated disruption of the nervous system