Clostridium botulinum Flashcards
what will cause the damage in the body when infected with c. botulinum?
Botulinum neurotoxin *
what are the different forms of botulism?
- Foodborne botulism
- Infant botulism
- Wound botulism
how is Foodborne botulism acquired?
Home-canned vegetables *
how is Infant botulism acquired?
through Ingestion of spores * as with Honey * (never feed it to newborns)
how is Wound botulism acquired?
Traumatic implantation of spores (wounds, drug users *)
what is the mechanism of action of the Botulinum neurotoxin?
Blocks release of acetylcholine at the myoneuronal junction causing flaccid paralysis *
what symptoms can be seen in foodbourne botulism?
drooping eyelids
slurred speech *
abdominal pain
Infant botulism will cause these symptoms…
Babies are lethargic, feed poorly, weak cry, constipated, poor muscle tone *
what symptoms are seen in Wound botulism?
drooping eyelids
slurred speech *
abdominal pain
what happens if any of the botulism forms are left untreated?
Cause paralysis of respiratory muscles, arms, legs and trunk *
when should treatment be seeked?
Early treatment is very important *
how is botulism diagnosed?
- Detection of toxin activity in serum*
- Culture of bacteria from stool *
how is botulism treated?
Botulinum antitoxin *: neutralizes toxin circulating in blood
how is botulism prevented?
- Infants below 1 year – not allowed to eat honey *
- Destroying preformed toxin in canned foods * (heating food)
- Preventing spore-germination* (Storage at 4OC or colder)
