What type of bacteria can produce diseases such as lockjaw?

Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria that can cause a variety of diseases, including tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is a type of bacillus. This bacteria typically enters the body through wounds or cuts and produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms, particularly in the jaw.

The other categories of bacteria, while they have their own associated infections, do not include the causative agent for lockjaw. Staphylococci are spherical bacteria associated with various infections, such as skin infections and pneumonia. Spirilla are spiral-shaped bacteria, which can cause diseases such as syphilis, and diplococci are pairs of spherical bacteria that can lead to infections like gonorrhea but not tetanus. Thus, bacilli are specifically recognized for their role in producing diseases like lockjaw.