Botulism

Question 1

Causative organism?

Answer 1

Clostridium botulinum

Question 2

Causative organism is gram __?

Answer 2

Positive anaerobic bacillus

Question 3

What does the botulinum toxin do?

Answer 3

It is a neurotoxin which irreversibly blocks the release of acetylcholine.

Question 4

How can someone get infected?

Answer 4

Eating contaminated food (e.g. tinned) or IV drug use

Question 5

Symptoms?

Answer 5

Patient is usually conscious with no sensory disturbance. Flaccid paralysis, diplopia, ataxia and bulbar palsy

Question 6

What does bulbar palsy mean?

Answer 6

Signs and symptoms relating to an impairment in the function of cranial nerves 9, 10, 11 and 12

Question 7

Treatment and what is important to remember about this?

Answer 7

Botulism antitoxin and this is only effective if given early as botulinum toxin’s actions cannot be reversed once bound

Question 8

Which parts of the body does it usually affect?

Answer 8

Usually affects bulbar muscles (muscles of the mouth and throat) and autonomic nervous system