Botulism 101: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Treatment, And Prevention

Botulism is a rare yet serious illness resulting in paralysis that requires immediate emergency care. It is caused by a nerve toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium butyricum, and Clostridium baratii bacterium. Once contracted, paralysis begins in the face and travels to the limbs. Respiratory failure can result if it reaches the lung muscles. Botulism has been fatal in the past, but advanced treatments are now available to improve conditions. It is often caused accidentally at home.

Definition

According to notes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Botulism is a severe, potentially fatal neuroparalytic illness. A single case is a public health emergency because it can signal an outbreak.” The United States saw the biggest outbreak of botulism in nearly forty years when improperly home-canned potatoes were brought to a church potluck in Ohio and infected twenty-nine individuals in 2015. The confirmed preparation method was a boiling water canner, which does not kill the bacterium responsible for botulism, whereas using a pressure canner does.

Infant Botulism

Infant botulism occurs when a baby ingests the bacteria or their spores, and it grows in the gut. Honey has been shown to be a carrier in approximately twenty percent of cases; therefore, it is recommended that infants under twelve months old do not ingest it. Many cases of infant botulism are hard to prevent because the bacteria can also be found in dust and soil as well as on carpet, floors, and countertops in the home even after cleaning where infants can quickly pick it up. Colonization may occur because a baby’s intestinal flora has not been fully established and cannot defend itself.