Botulism

Botulism is a motor paralysis caused by eating food containing the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium grows rapidly in decomposing animal tissue and sometimes in plant material. It results in rapid death due to the paralysis of vital organs. Botulism is not an infection. The paralysis is caused by the consumption of the toxin in food. It is seen in humans, animals, birds and fish and is caused by various strains of Clostridium botulinum. Seven strains of this organism (" A through G ") are distinguished according to immunological differences. The major sources of this organism are fish, home cured meats, home canned vegetables and fruit. Eggs, milk and their products are rarely the cause of an outbreak. Most frequently, raw, insufficiently cooked foods or foods not fully salted, cured, dried or smoked are implicated. Humans are usually affected by A, B, E, and very rarely F. Domesticated animals such as dogs, cattle, and mink are affected by botulism C toxin, which also affects birds and has caused massive die-offs in domestic bird flocks and wild waterfowl.

Signs of Botulism

Clinical signs may include paralysis in hind limbs progressing to forelimbs; paralysis of respiratory muscles leading to abdominal respiration; and eventual death. Some dogs may present with excess salivation; facial paralysis, and distended esophagus. Also, dogs may have difficulty in chewing and swallowing; may lose ability to urinate and defecate; impaired vision; heart rate is variable; death is usually from respiratory paralysis or heart failure; bilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca may be present.

Diagnosis of Botulism

Diagnosis of botulism can be tricky because symptoms mimic those presented by other diseases. Botulism may be confused with myasthenia gravis, drug reactions, nervous system infection or shellfish poisoning. One of the most lethal substances in the world - botulism - can be detected using special systems in about 20-25 minutes. Now, researchers at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory can detect its presence in five minutes, using the lab's successful Biodetection Enabling Analyte Delivery System, or BEADS combined with optical detection.

Treatment of Botulism

Treatment is usually not possible due to paralysis of the lungs and heart.