Botulism

Question 1

What is the main effect of botulin toxin?

Answer 1

Inhibits presynaptic SNARE protein, resulting in decreased release of presynaptic acetylcholine

Question 2

What type of paralysis is caused by botulism?

Answer 2

Flaccid paralysis

Question 3

What are some clinical presentations of botulism on the USMLE?

Answer 3

• Constipation
• Hypotonia
• Cranial nerve palsies
  Also floppy baby syndrome

Question 4

True or False: Botulin toxin prevents acetylcholine from binding to its receptor.

Answer 4

False

Question 5

How can infants acquire botulism?

Answer 5

By ingesting spores in honey

Question 6

How do older individuals typically acquire botulism?

Answer 6

By ingesting pre-formed toxin from canned goods

Question 7

What is wound botulism?

Answer 7

When spores contaminate a puncture site, such as an IV injection site

Question 8

Why does administering the botulism toxin not change the strength of acetylcholine binding to its receptor?

Answer 8

The toxin is not a competitive inhibitor and only decreases endogenous ACh release