Foodborne botulism is a serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. (A toxin is a poison that is released by some bacteria and viruses). It is caused by eating foods that contain the botulism toxin. It often involves improperly processed home canned foods. Botulism in infants under one year of age has been associated with the intake of contaminated honey. Wound botulism occurs when Clostridium botulinum spores contaminate a wound and produce toxin.
There are seven recognized types of botulism. Four of these (types A, B, E and rarely F) cause human botulism. Types C, D and E cause illness in mammals, birds and fish. The sporulated form of the bacterium is commonly found in soils, aquatic sediments and fish. The spores are heat-resistant. Under anaerobic conditions, botulinum spores can germinate, and the bacterium grow and produce the toxin. Ingestion of the toxin present in improperly prepared food is dangerous and may be fatal. Botulism is mainly a foodborne intoxication but it can also be transmitted through wound infections or intestinal infection in infants.
There are three kinds of botulism: foodborne, infant and wound. Foodborne botulism occurs when foods that contain the botulism toxin are ingested. Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced from a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum. Infants and adults develop a type of botulism by consuming the spores of the botulinum bacteria, which then grow in the intestines and release toxin.
Botulism is caused by toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This toxin affects your nerves and, if untreated, can cause paralysis and respiratory failure. C. botulinum toxin is one of the most powerful toxins known in nature. Exposure to the toxin, particularly in an aerosolized (spray) form, can be fatal. C. botulinum has been made into weapons by rogue states and is a focus of current efforts to counter bioterrorism.
Find common causes and risk factors of Foodborne Botulism:
Foodborne botulism typically begins with blurred or double vision, dry mouth and difficulty swallowing. Vomiting and diarrhea may be present early in the illness. The illness may progress to symmetrical flaccid (floppy) paralysis and may lead to difficulty in breathing.
Sign and symptoms may include the following:
Treatment may include: