Botulism - Picture, Symptoms, Cause and Treatment of Botulism
What is Botulism?The most dangerous type of FOODPOISONING, caused by the anaerobic (living without oxygen) bacterium Clostridium botulinum. People commonly affected by BotulismAll age groups and both sexes but less common in children. Part of body involved with BotulismCentral nervous system and muscles. Symptoms of BotulismSymptoms may appear within a few hours of eating food contaminated by the bacteria and/or their toxin. These include a dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, retention of urine and dilation of the pupils of the eye. This leads on to muscle weakness and paralysis and may be fatal. Death results from paralysis of the muscles involved in respiration. If botulism is suspected, emergency medical help should be summoned immediately. Treatment of BotulismRequires admittance to hospital for intensive care nursing, which may involve the need for a ventilator. Also, drugs that counter the effects of the bacterial toxin are given. Cause of BotulismThe bacteria that cause botulism grow in tinned foods that have not been properly preserved, especially canned raw meats, fish, vegetables or fruit. Very rarely, infection may occur via an open wound or cut. During its growth the bacteria produce a toxin, one component of which attacks the nervous system and produces the symptoms. The toxin is destroyed by heat so it is a problem only in foods that have not been thoroughly cooked. The toxin has a very small lethal dose, hence it is a wise precaution never to taste suspect food but to discard it immediately. |
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