Botulism

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.World Health Organization: Botulism

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.CDC: Facts about Botulism MayoClinic.com: Botulism MayoClinic.com: Botulism Symptoms

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.CDC: Facts about Botulism MayoClinic.com: Botulism Symptoms

Wound botulism occurs when a wound is infected with Clostridium botulinum. Symptoms usually start 10 days after infection. CDC: Facts about Botulism MayoClinic.com: Botulism Symptoms

• Slurred speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weak muscles
• Double vision
• Drooping eyelids
• ParalysisMedlinePlus: Botulism MayoClinic.com: Botulism Symptoms

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.World Health Organization: Botulism

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

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Botulism Clinical Trials