Botulism - Symptom, Causes, Treatment of Botulism

Botulism is a rare but very serious form of food poisoning caused by the bacterium clostridium botulillum, which may grow in canned or bottled foods that have been inadequately sterilised (more likely in home-made preserves than commercia! products). Botulism in infants under one year of age has been associated with the intake of contaminated honey. Wound botulism occurs when Clostridium botulinum spores contaminate a wound and produce toxin This bacterium, normally present in small numbers in soil, flourishes without oxygen (hence in full, closed containers) to produce a powerful toxin that poisons the nervous system.

Symptom of Botulism

Symptoms generally begin 12-36 hours after eating contaminated food, but may occur as early as a few hours and as late as 10 days. Early signs may be a dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, followed by paralysis that starts in the face (causing blurred or double vision and speech difficulty) and spreads down the body. Death due to Botulism may occur from paralysis of the breathing muscles. Botulism stops the muscles from working, so someone with botulism needs medical care right away. As the toxin spreads, muscles become weak all over. Many people feel queasy and may throw up or have diarrhea. Other symptoms can include:

• difficulty swallowing
• difficulty speaking
• droopy eyelids
• double or blurred vision
• trouble breathing

The first symptoms of botulism may include

• Double vision
• Blurred vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dry mouth
• Muscle weakness

Cause of Botulism

Botulism in humans is most often the result of eating food containing the toxin. Botulinum neurotoxins are also a serious bioterrorism concern because the toxins are relatively easy to make and deliver and are highly lethal. Unlike infectious diseases, however, botulism cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

Treatment of Botulism

Treatment of botulism includes careful observation, supportive care, and administering the antitoxin. The antitoxin will reduce the progression of the paralysis and may reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Patients may still require weeks to months of supportive care, however, before they fully recover. Hospital treatment of Botulism is essential so that antitoxin can be given and artificial respiration used if necessary. Instructions for adequate sterilisation should be followed strictly for all home preserving, and preserved food should never be eaten from a container that bulges or gives off a hiss of gas when the can or bottle is opened.

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