Botulism

Epic card · No. 14241

Botulism is a rare and potentially fatal illness caused by botulinum toxin (commonly referred to as botox), which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The disease begins with weakness, blurred vision, fatigue, and trouble speaking. This may then be followed by weakness of the arms, chest muscles, and legs. Vomiting, swelling of the abdomen, and diarrhea may also occur. The disease does not usually affect consciousness or cause a fever. Botulism can occur in several ways. The bacterial spores that cause it are common in both soil and water and are very resistant. They produce the botulinum toxin when exposed to low oxygen levels and certain temperatures. Foodborne botulism happens when food containing the toxin is eaten. Infant botulism instead happens when the bacterium develops in the intestines and releases the toxin. This typically only occurs in children less than one year old, as protective mechanisms against development of the bacterium develop after that age. Wound...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Herbert L. Fred, MD and Hendrik A. van Dijk, CC BY 2.0