Abstract
Botulism is a rare disease with 4 naturally occurring syndromes: Food borne botulism, Wound botulism, Infant intestinal botulism and Adult intestinal botulism. All forms of botulism carry essentially the same distinct clinical syndrome of symmetrical cranial nerve palsies followed by descending paralysis of voluntary muscles, which may progress to respiratory compromise and death. The major therapy are intensive care, when required and timely treatment with antitoxins.
Introduction
Botulism is a rare and potentially fatal illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The disease begins with weakness, blurred vision, feeling tired and trouble in speaking. This may be then followed by weakness of arms, chest muscle and legs. Vomiting, swelling of abdomen and diarrhea may also occur. This disease does not affect consciousness or cause fever.
Methodology
The methodology use in this article was article reviews and book reviews relating to the botulism and summarizing the findings. The references are listed at the end of this article.
Results
Clostridium botulinum is found in soil and aquatic sediments. It produces 7 immunologically distinct toxins which are designated by letters A-G. Human cases are caused by A, B, E and (rarely) F. Under stress, the bacterium forms a spore that survives standard cooking and food processing measures. Spore germinates under anaerobic condition, nonacidic pH, and low salt and sugar content which is rarely achieved in food. Conditions in the normal human intestine are not conducive to germination and vegetation of C. botulinum. C. botulinum spores are routinely ingested and excreted by humans without germination, toxin production, or any harm to the person through whom they pass.
Food borne botulism is caused by consumption of foods contaminated with the toxin. For instance, In canned food the bacterium gets anaerobic condition to germinate and produce toxin. Contamination of wound with toxin from environment and subsequent germination causes wound botulism. And Infant intestine botulism and adult intestine botulism is caused by the in-situ absorption of toxin and cause illness.
Some of the general symptoms of botulism are:
- Drooping of both eyelids, Double vision, Loss of facial expression and Swallowing problems.
- Descending paralysis
- Disruption in autonomic nervous system
- Nausea, Vomiting, Difficulty in talking.
- Breathing problem and Gas exchange problem.
For botulism in babies, diagnosis should be made on sign and symptoms. Confirmation of the diagnosis is made by testing of stool or enema specimen with mouth bioassay.
Some of the preventive measures are:
- Avoid canned foods, cook the food well and special care should be given while preserving food at home.
- Avoid giving honey to infants less than 12 months.
- Routine laboratory test.
After the symptoms are seen treatment should be done with antitoxin and supportive care. Certain antibiotics also work for food borne botulism. In sever case medical ventilation may require.
Conclusion
Regardless the mode of exposure, botulinum toxin produces a distinctive syndrome of cranial nerve palsies followed by descending paralysis. Effective treatment depends on provision of intensive care and rapid administration of antitoxin as laboratory diagnosis is time consuming. As the illness is sever special attention should be paid for its prevention.
References:
- Clinical infectious disease, Volume 41, Issue 8, page 1167-1173
- Botulism: the organism, its toxin and the disease, Smith L. DS
- Laboratory diagnosis of infectious disease, page 111-133, Charles L. Hatheway
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