Botulism

摘要

Botulism is a disease caused by extremely potent toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Person to person transmission of botulism does not occur. The sporulated form of the bacterium is commonly found in soils, sediments and marine waters. There are seven recognized types of botulism. Four of these (types A, B, E and rarely F) cause human botulism. Types C, D and E cause illness in mammals, birds and fish. Healthy adults can consume spores in small amounts with no ill effects. The spores are heat-resistant. Under anaerobic conditions, botulinum spores can germinate, and the bacterium can reproduce and produce toxin. Ingestion of the toxin formed during the growth of the bacteria that can be present in improperly prepared food is dangerous.