What is botulism?
Botulism is a serious illness in which flaccid paralysis of muscles occurs. It is caused by a botulinum toxin, which is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The bacteria enter the body through wounds or may present in improperly canned or preserved food.
Botulinum neurotoxin: It is an anaerobic bacteria commonly found in soil. Botulinum neurotoxin is the most lethal toxin. Food-borne botulism is very dangerous. Even small amounts of neurotoxin-contaminated food can infect many people.
Botulinum neurotoxin paralysis the nerves by entering the nerve cells and inhibiting the release of acetylcholine as a result muscle cannot contract.
Basics:
Toxins are absorbed from the stomach and small intestine. The gastrointestinal, nervous, endocrine and metabolic systems are affected. Cranial nerves get affected first and lead to the complications of paralytic ileus, constipation, and retention of urine.
How does botulism occur?
Foodborne botulism occurs if a person consumes foods containing the botulinum toxin. Wound botulism occurs if the organism enters an open wound and produces toxins within the wound. Infant botulism happens when an infant consumes the bacteria or their spores, which grow in the gut.
Is botulism infectious?
• Food-borne: When infection is caused by foods containing the botulinum neurotoxin it is called foodborne botulism. The source of this type is often improperly canned foods.
• Wound: It is caused by a neurotoxin that is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Some people may have botulism by inhaling the spores from cocaine.
• Infant: When the spores of the botulinum bacteria are consumed by an infant it is called infant botulism. The neurotoxin is released when the bacteria grows and multiplies in the intestine.
Symptoms appear within 1-2 days?
When the bacteria enter the body, the symptoms appear within 8-36 hours.
Symptoms in adults:
• Cramping pain in the abdomen.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Double vision.
• The weakness with paralysis.
• Dry mouth.
• Difficulty in swallowing and speaking.
• Nausea and Vomiting.
Symptoms of infant botulism:
• Weak sucking.
• Loss of muscle tone.
• Constipation.
• The marked weakness that the baby can’t control the head.
• Respiratory distress.
• Drooling.
• Drooping of eyelids.
• Weak cry.
How long does it take to feel the effects of botulism?
If treatment is not taken people with botulism may develop paralysis of the arms, legs, trunk, and the muscles used for breathing. If it is caused by contaminated food, symptoms usually appear within 18 to 36 hours.
How much Botulism is dangerous?
Botulism is a rare and life-threatening bacterial illness. Clostridium Botulinum bacteria generally grows on food and produces toxins that, when ingested, cause paralysis. Each case of botulism is considered as emergency.
Can you die from botulism?
Botulism can be a deadly disease but most patients who receive medical treatment do not die. Food-borne botulism can be very dangerous because many people can be poisoned at the same time by consuming a portion of contaminated food.
Where is botulism found?
Clostridium botulinum bacteria is commonly found in soil and unprocessed water. It produces spores that survive in unhygienic preserved or canned food, where they produce a toxin. When eaten, even small amounts of this toxin will cause severe poisoning.
What are the complications?
Urinary tract infections can occur.
Fungal infections
on skin decubitus, formation can occur.
Thrombophlebitis, cellulitis and line infections can occur.
Stress ulcers can occur.
