Clostridium Botulinum

Question 1

What toxin is produced by C.Botulinum?

Answer 1

Botulinum toxin

Question 2

What does C.Botulinum cause?

Answer 2

Botulism

Question 3

How can you tell if a can is infected with C.Botulinum spores?

Answer 3

The can begins to buldge with air because the bacteria metabolizes sugars into short chain fatty acids releasing gas.

Question 4

How many types of toxins are there? Name them

Answer 4

8

A B C D E F G H

Question 5

How does the C.Botulinum toxin work?

Answer 5

Botulinum binds to nerves inhibiting

Question 6

What are the symptoms of botulism?

Answer 6

Double vison
Droopy eyelids
Inability to make facial expressions
Difficulty swallowing
Drymouth
Postural hypotension
Nausea
Vomitting
Constipation
Can progress to complete flaccid paralysis

Question 7

What is Bulbar Palsy?

Answer 7

Impairement of cranial nerves 9, 10, 11 and 12. Over time there can be a descending paralysis.

Question 8

How is C.Botulinum diagnosed?

Answer 8

A serum analysis is done for the botulinum toxin

Question 9

How is C.Botulinum treated?

Answer 9

Mostly supportive treatment is used and assisting the patient with breathing.
Adults can be treated with an anti toxin to acquire passive immunity

Question 10

How many anti toxins are there and what do they cover?

Answer 10

2 types
Trivalent: cover A B and E
Heptavalent: covers A B C D E F G
They work by catching free toxin molecules in the blood stream before they can damage the neuronal proteins.

Question 11

Why is infant botulism common?

Answer 11

This is because they have poorly developed gut flora and their gut is vulnerable to clostridium botulinum colonization. They will continue to produce their toxin in the gut causing botulism.

Question 12

What are A and B toxins used for medically and why?

Answer 12

They are less toxic so can be used to treat rigid muscles, relaxing them
they can also be used to treat
Hyperhydrosis
achalasia
focal dystonia