Every year one in six Americans get food poisoning . Food poisoning occurs due to the contamination of food through microorganisms. Botulism is a form of food poisoning caused by the microorganism Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum is a gram-positive bacterium, bacillus in shape, and is an obligate anaerobe.1 The bacterium can produce endospores, making it resistant to microbial control methods. Clostridium botulinum survives in nonliving reservoirs1 . It is commonly found in soil and large bodies of water. The classification of the bacteria is shown below in table 1. Clostridium botulinum is very harmful to humans in that it can be fatal if it is not treated when found. Patients who do not treat the disease using the Botulism Antitoxin
…show more content…
In rare cases strains of Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii can also be present . Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii differ from Clostridium botulism in the neurotoxins they produce. Clostridium butyricum produces the type E toxin and Clostridium baratii produces the type F toxin, rather than type A . Bacteria in the Campylobacter genus are also known for causing food poisoning and are much more common than foodborne Botulism. Campylobacter is found in raw poultry, especially chicken2. Symptoms of Campylobacter are often present between 2-5 days after consuming the bacteria and include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and nausea2. Clostridium botulinum can occur in food, a wound, or the intestinal tracts of infants and adults. Foodborne Botulism is the most common and is due to the growth of Clostridium botulinum, which produces toxins in food that lacks oxygen around it . Since Clostridium botulinum is an obligate anaerobe, it can only grow in the absence of oxygen. Wound botulism is the result of spores entering an open wound on the body and reproducing in a non-oxygen environment6. Infant botulism is when an infant ingests bacteria which causes toxins to be produced throughout the intestinal tract of the infant6. This is often the most feared form of botulism because it can cause breathing difficulties for the infant. Adults can also ingest bacteria, allowing toxins to produce in their …show more content…
Cross contamination between raw and cooked food is an easy way for the microorganism to transfer. Wound botulism can be prevented by seeking medical care for open wounds and by avoiding illegal drugs that require needle injections.1 Infant botulism is difficult to prevent because the bacteria that causes the disease is easily found inside homes on floors, carpet, and countertops even after cleaning.1 Not allowing the consumption of honey from an infant can help prevent the disease since honey can contain bacteria that leads to Botulism.1 Once an infant becomes 1 year of age and their body is able to make their own antibodies, honey can be consumed.1 Healthcare professional at the state level and at the Center for Disease control are continuously available to educate the public on how to be less vulnerable to Botulism.1 They are a knowledgeable resource and have the access to consult with a physician 24/7.1 Physicians also play a major role in that they are required to report cases of Botulism to the state department in order to prevent outbreaks within a
In rare cases strains of Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii can also be present . Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii differ from Clostridium botulism in the neurotoxins they produce. Clostridium butyricum produces the type E toxin and Clostridium baratii produces the type F toxin, rather than type A . Bacteria in the Campylobacter genus are also known for causing food poisoning and are much more common than foodborne Botulism. Campylobacter is found in raw poultry, especially chicken2. Symptoms of Campylobacter are often present between 2-5 days after consuming the bacteria and include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and nausea2. Clostridium botulinum can occur in food, a wound, or the intestinal tracts of infants and adults. Foodborne Botulism is the most common and is due to the growth of Clostridium botulinum, which produces toxins in food that lacks oxygen around it . Since Clostridium botulinum is an obligate anaerobe, it can only grow in the absence of oxygen. Wound botulism is the result of spores entering an open wound on the body and reproducing in a non-oxygen environment6. Infant botulism is when an infant ingests bacteria which causes toxins to be produced throughout the intestinal tract of the infant6. This is often the most feared form of botulism because it can cause breathing difficulties for the infant. Adults can also ingest bacteria, allowing toxins to produce in their …show more content…
Cross contamination between raw and cooked food is an easy way for the microorganism to transfer. Wound botulism can be prevented by seeking medical care for open wounds and by avoiding illegal drugs that require needle injections.1 Infant botulism is difficult to prevent because the bacteria that causes the disease is easily found inside homes on floors, carpet, and countertops even after cleaning.1 Not allowing the consumption of honey from an infant can help prevent the disease since honey can contain bacteria that leads to Botulism.1 Once an infant becomes 1 year of age and their body is able to make their own antibodies, honey can be consumed.1 Healthcare professional at the state level and at the Center for Disease control are continuously available to educate the public on how to be less vulnerable to Botulism.1 They are a knowledgeable resource and have the access to consult with a physician 24/7.1 Physicians also play a major role in that they are required to report cases of Botulism to the state department in order to prevent outbreaks within a