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

Wound botulism occurs when bacteria finds its way into an open wound and reproduces. It can result from contamination of wounds by gravel, soil, or improperly cared for open fractures. Injected street drugs also cause wound botulism. A 2007 study found injection drug users are at a high risk of frequent and severe cases of wound botulism. Almost all cases of injection drug-associated botulism are users of a type of heroin known as 'black tar,' which is a specific preparation of heroin injected by 'skin-popping.'