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What is Botulism Toxin?

The spore-forming bacteria Clostridium botulinum is naturally found in soil and lies dormant until exposed to growth-supporting conditions. Once ingested, inhaled or absorbed in a wound, the bacteria produces toxins that act on the central nervous system and cause the muscles to relax to the point of paralysis (botulism is related to tetanus---both cause paralysis, but with tetanus the muscles constrict). If left untreated, botulism may result in death.

  1. Foodborne Botulism

    • Foodborne botulism is caused by eating food contaminated with botulinum toxin. The toxin may or may not give off a bad odor or taste, so it is not always evident when food is contaminated. The bacteria is prone to develop in improperly processed home-preserved foods (canned vegetables or jam, for instance), but it can also affect commercially prepared and restaurant foods as well. Symptoms of foodborne botulism usually appear 12 to 36 hours after consumption of contaminated food, and it is not contagious.

    Wound Botulism

    • Wound botulism is caused by toxins produced from a wound infected with the botulinum toxin. People who share needles are particularly at risk for wound botulism. Wounds should be treated in a hospital. Usually surgery is performed to remove the source of the toxin-producing bacteria and that is followed by a course of antibiotics.

    Infant Botulism

    • Infants can be affected by botulism by consuming the botulinum toxin that then reproduces and releases toxins in the intestine. Infants with botulism have poor appetite, are constipated, and appear lethargic (having a weak cry and poor muscle tone).

    Symptoms and Treatment

    • A person affected with botulism may appear drunk, having slurred speech, double vision and drooping eyelids. They may also have difficulty swallowing, dry mouth and general muscle weakness. Botulism is always considered an emergency and must be treated in a hospital with an antitoxin; recovery may take months. Botulism is particularly dangerous when it affects breathing muscles, which can lead to respiratory failure.

    Botox

    • There are seven types of botulism (labeled A through G), and only four types cause illness in humans: A, B, E and F. Botox is a protein made from botulinum A. It is injected under the skin to smooth out wrinkles. It works by temporarily "paralyzing" the muscle underneath the skin. Botox treatments are ongoing, but are considered a faster and easier alternative to plastic surgery.

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