Botulism

Botulism

Clostridium botulinum

GPR, strict anererobe, non-lactose fermenting, spore forming, produces neurotoxins a-g and H

Enviroment (soil)

Open wounds or digestive tract

Eating contaminated foods, parenteral route

Spores germinate and colonize food, intestinal mucosa, or tissue at POE. Secreted botulinum toxin enters the circulatory system and is transported to motor neurons where it blocks the release of neurotransmitters and results in paralysis

6 hours to 10 days

Gastrointestinal: constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, chills, thick-feeling tongue; nervous system; blurred vision, dilated pupil, drooping eyelids, inability to swallow, speech impairment, urinary retention, skeletal weakness; infant; lethargy, weak cry

Paralysis, respiratory failure, mortality 5%, Sequelae- muscle atrophy, long-lasting weakness, SOB, secondary infection

Follow proper canning techniques, proper food handlung storage, boil canned foods for 10 min, dont consume or taste suspected foods, safetly dispose of contaminated foods

Antitoxin (for types A, B, E, and H)- mostly for babies; remove gastrointestinal contents, life support systems- ventilator