How does a person get botulinum Clostridium?

Botulinum toxins are ingested through improperly processed food in which the bacteria or the spores survive, then grow and produce the toxins. Though mainly a foodborne intoxication, human botulism can also be caused by intestinal infection with C. botulinum in infants, wound infections, and by inhalation.

What causes Clostridium botulinum?

A type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum produces the toxin. Botulism can occur as the result of food or wound contamination. The condition can also occur when bacterial spores grow in the intestines of infants. In rare cases, botulism can also be caused by medical treatment or bioterrorism.

Who is most likely to get Clostridium botulinum?

People at Risk

• People who inject certain drugs, such as black tar heroin, put themselves at greater risk of getting wound botulism.
• People who drink certain kinds of alcohol they make themselves, such as prisoners who drink “pruno” or “hooch” made in prisons, put themselves at greater risk of getting foodborne botulism.

What is the main source of botulism?

Foodborne botulism

As the bacteria grow, they release the toxins into your food. Foodborne botulism commonly occurs when homemade canned foods are improperly preserved or stored. Though rare, improperly canned store-bought foods can also cause botulism.

What foods can you get Clostridium botulinum from?

Low-acid foods are the most common sources of botulism linked to home canning. These foods have a pH level greater than 4.6. Low-acid foods include most vegetables (including asparagus, green beans, beets, corn, and potatoes), some fruits (including some tomatoes and figs), milk, all meats, fish, and other seafood.

How do adults usually get botulism?

Botulism does not spread from person to person. A person can get foodborne botulism from eating food that contains botulism toxin if the food is not heated or processed properly. Foodborne botulism is most frequently caused by eating improperly processed home-canned, preserved or fermented foods.

What are the 3 most common causes of botulism?

Foodborne botulism can happen by eating foods that have been contaminated with botulinum toxin. Common sources of foodborne botulism are homemade foods that have been improperly canned, preserved, or fermented. Though uncommon, store-bought foods also can be contaminated with botulinum toxin.

Can you survive botulism?

Survival and Complications

Today, fewer than 5 of every 100 people with botulism die. Even with antitoxin and intensive medical and nursing care, some people with botulism die from respiratory failure. Others die from infections or other problems caused by being paralyzed for weeks or months.

How can you tell if someone has botulism?

Symptoms

1. Difficulty swallowing.
2. Muscle weakness.
3. Double vision.
4. Drooping eyelids.
5. Blurry vision.
6. Slurred speech.
7. Difficulty breathing.
8. Difficulty moving the eyes.

How do you know if you’ve got botulism?

Symptoms of botulism usually start with weakness of the muscles that control the eyes, face, mouth, and throat. This weakness may spread to the neck, arms, torso, and legs. Botulism also can weaken the muscles involved in breathing, which can lead to difficulty breathing and even death.