Botulism Flashcards
1
Q
What causes botulism
A
The bacteria Clostridium Botulinum
2
Q
How is Botulism transmitted?
A
By ingestion of botulinum toxin in contaminated food, e.g poorly pasteurised canned food ( look for bulging cans), honey and soil
3
Q
What is the incubation period for botulism
A
Incubation period is 12-36 hours
4
Q
Clinical features of botulism
A
Descending paralysis (Peripheral flaccid mucle paralysis), floppy baby syndrome in infants (constipation, hypotonia, poor feeding), Nausea, vomiting
5
Q
Diagnosis of botulism
A
Diagnosis is done by identifying botulinum toxin from serum, vomit, gastric acid, stool or suspicious food.
6
Q
Treatment of botulism
A
Treatment include securing airways, injection of horse derived botulism antitoxin or IV human botulism immunoglobulins.
