Complete Information on Botulism

May 20
07:18

2008

Juliet Cohen

Juliet Cohen

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All forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies.

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Botulism is a paralytic disease caused by the neurotoxins of Clostridium botulinum. In the United States an average of several cases of botulism are reported each year. Of these,Complete Information on Botulism Articles approximately 25% are foodborne, 72% are infant botulism, and 3% are wound botulism. The characteristic early symptoms and signs are marked fatigue and weakness, usually followed by blurred vision, dry mouth, and difficulty in swallowing and speaking. Vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal swelling may occur. The disease can progress to weakness in the neck and arms, after which the respiratory muscles and muscles of the lower body are affected.

The paralysis may make breathing difficult. There are three main kinds of botulism. Foodborne botulism is caused by eating foods that hold the botulism toxin. Food-borne botulism can be particularly hazardous because many people can be poisoned by eating even small amounts of neurotoxin-contaminated food. Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced from a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum. Infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of the botulinum bacteria, which then grow in the intestines and release toxin.

Foodborne botulism can be particularly harmful because many folk can be poisoned by eating a contaminated nutrient. The amount of cases of foodborne and baby botulism has changed little in new years, but injury botulism has expanded because of the consumption of black-tar heroin. Treatment may include antitoxins, intense medical maintenance or operation of contaminated wounds. Physicians may seek to withdraw contaminated nutrient yet in the intestine by inducing vomiting or by using enemas. Wounds should be treated, normally surgically, to withdraw the origin of the toxin-producing bacterium.

Infant botulism is treated with exempt globulin, which is related to the antitoxin. Botulism can be prevented. Wound botulism can be prevented by quickly seeking medical maintenance for contaminated wounds, and by avoiding punctures by unsterile things such as needles used for street drug injections. Persons who do house canning should come rigorous healthful procedures to cut pollution of foods. Oils infused with garlic or herbs should be refrigerated. Food and water samples associated with suspect cases must be obtained instantly, stored in appropriate unopened containers, and sent to mention laboratories in decree to assist forbid farther cases.