Botulism is a rare but serious condition caused by toxins from bacteria called Clostridium botulinum.
Three common forms of botulism are:
– Foodborne botulism. The harmful bacteria thrive and produce the toxin in environments with little oxygen, such as in canned food.
– Wound botulism. If these bacteria get into a cut, they can cause a dangerous infection that produces the toxin.
– Infant botulism. This most common form of botulism begins after Clostridium botulinum bacterial spores grow in a baby’s intestinal tract. It typically occurs between the ages of 2 months and 8 months.
Botulism can be fatal and requires emergency medical care. It can occur in infants, be spread in food, or infect a wound. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing or speaking, facial weakness, and paralysis.
Treatments are an antitoxin injection and breathing assistance.
Botulism
