Botulism

Guide Note

Botulism a paralytic disease caused by botulinum toxin which is produced by Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum is naturally available as spores on the ground. The bacteria is anaerobic, meaning it needs to live in an area without air to thrive. It commonly develops in sealed, preserved food, such as canned food.¹

Fast Facts

1. Caused by botulinum toxin¹
2. Affects the nerves to cause paralysis¹
3. Deadly 5 to 10% of the time¹
4. Recovery usually takes several weeks to months¹
5. Treated with an antitoxin and respiratory support¹
6. Botox is a controlled use of the toxin¹
7. Caution: Sterilization is critical in home canning of foods²
8. Caution: Do not give honey to infants younger than a year²
9. Honey may carry botulism spores²

There are three types of botulism: Infant, foodborne and wound botulism. Infant botulism occurs when spores of clostridium botulinum get into an infant's intestines. Symptoms usually start half a day to a day and a half after infection. Usually occurs in infants six weeks to six months old.^{3 4 5}

Foodborne botulism occurs when the food that has a high level of the bolulinum toxin is ingested. The toxin builds up as the bacteria lives off of the food for some time. Symptoms usually start half a day to a day and a half after infection.^{3 5}

Wound botulism occurs when a wound is infected with Clostridium botulinum. Symptoms usually start 10 days after infection. ^{3 5}

• Slurred speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weak muscles
• Double vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Paralysis^{2 5}

The botulinum toxin the same toxin involved in botox treatments. Botox is a paralysis of the facial muscles from controlled injections of the botulinum toxin.¹

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have botulism, please consult your doctor.