Botulism Essay

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Botulism Julie L. Crabb 10/25/2013 Microbiology Madera Center Abstract This research paper is about botulism. Botulism is a very rare but serious disease that is caused by the bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. (Chaudry, 2011, para. 1-5) This type of bacterium occurs in the soil. There are three main types of botulism: 1. Foodborne botulism 2. Wound botulism 3. Infant botulism in infant botulism, this type of botulism can occur when a child ingests spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria. In this paper all three of the main types of botulism will be discussed. C. botulinum is an anaerobic, (conditions without oxygen). Gram positive, spore-forming rod shape bacteria that produces a botulinum toxin. This toxin (Botulinum toxin) acts by blocking the production of acetylcholine at synapses. (Chaudry, 2011, para. 5) Botulism also impairs the neuromuscular junctions. The release of the Botulinum toxin will eventually lead to respiratory and musculoskeletal paralysis. (Chaudry, 2011, para. 5) Botulism can also be contracted through an open wound. This type of botulism is wound botulism and it is one of the three main types of botulism. In food-borne botulism: Types of home-canned foods provide a perfect condition for the bacteria to grow. If botulism is not treated, it will eventually lead to respiratory problems, paralysis and death. If diagnosed early, botulism can be treated with an antitoxin. This antitoxin prevents the neurotoxin from circulating in the blood. Keywords: Botulism, types of botulism, symptoms Botulism Botulism is a very rare but serious neurological disease that is caused by the bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It is a bacterium that occurs in the soil. (Chaudry, 2011, para.1) Botulism is a rare disease with four naturally occurring syndromes. Foodborne botulism is caused by ingestion of foods contaminated with

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