Botulism

WANTED!

Botulism

http://www.vaccines.mil/botulism

http://www.thehorse.com/articles/32352/botulism-in-horses-an-update

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm1003352

Food-borne

Wound

Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum)

Infant

http://www2.cedarcrest.edu/academic/bio/hale/epi/lectures/Session_8-faseikh.html

-caused by food contaminatedby the bacteria -often from improperly processed canned foods or spoiled food

-C. botulinum enters a wound and creates a toxin

-primarily effects children under one years old-ingestion of C. botulinum spores from the environment or specific foods (honey)-C. botulinum grows inside the intestines and releases a toxin

How does Botulism spread?-the bacteria contaminates either food or a wound and produces a toxin-CANNOT spread from person-to-person contact

Symptoms-double or blurred vision-droopy eyelids-trouble swallowing-dry mouth-slurred speech-muscle weakness that moves down the body

Infant Symptoms-lethargic-weak cry-constipation-poor muscle tone-do not eat well

If left untreated, botulism may lead to paralysis.

Treatments-use of an antitoxin-ventilator -proper canning tecniques-do not feed children under one year of age honey

Botulism occurs in the soil and effects the nervous system by producing a toxin.

How many are affected?-about 110 cases per year in the United States-72 percent infant botulism-25 percent food-borne botulism-3 percent wound botulism

http://perlong.en.made-in-china.com/

Degree of Damage-High; it is likely botulism will harmsomeone.

http://www.infantbotulism.org/general/babybig.php

Botulism bacteria is rod-shaped and grows best in low oxygen states. It contains spores which allows the bacteria to stay dormant until the environment is right for it to survive. The bacteria attacks the nervous system by blocking neurotransmitters between nerves.

"Botulism (food-borne botulism and infant botulism)." Department of Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Dec 2013. ."Botulism Frequently Asked Questions." North Dakota Department of Health. N.p.. Web. 2 Dec 2013. ."Botulism." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., 26 Jul 2011. Web. 2 Dec 2013. .