Botulism

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The bacterium may enter the body through wounds, or they may live in improperly canned or preserved food.

Causes and risks

Clostridium is found in soil and untreated water throughout the world. It produces spores that survive in improperly preserved or canned food, where they produce toxin. When eaten, even minute amounts of this toxin can lead to severe poisoning. The foods most commonly contaminated are home-canned vegetables, cured pork and ham, smoked or raw fish, and honey or corn syrup. Botulism may also occur if the organism enters open wounds and produces toxin there. Infant botulism is a special type in which living bacteria or its spores are ingested and grow within the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. The most common cause of infant botulism is from the ingestion of honey or corn syrup.

Prevention

Do not give honey or corn syrup to infants who are younger than 1 year old. (Not even just a little taste on a pacifier.)
Always discard bulging cans or off-smelling preserved foods. Sterilize home canned foods by pressure cooking at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
DO NOT "TASTE TEST"!
Keep foil-wrapped baked potatoes hot or in the refrigerator, not out in room temperature.
Breast-feeding can help prevent infant botulism.

Symptoms

difficulty swallowing and speaking, progressive weakness with paralysis ,nausea, ,vomiting ,abdominal cramps ,dry mouth ,double vision ,breathing difficulty that may lead to respiratory failure ,breathing, absent temporarily ,no fever, usually ,
in infants constipation ,weakness, loss of muscle tone ,weak cry

Note: Symptoms usually appear between 8 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food.

Treatment

Emergency hospitalization is recommended in cases of respiratory trouble. The goal of treatment is to establish a clear airway, aid breathing, give botulinus anti-toxin, and provide supportive therapy.

If breathing difficulty develops, intubation (a tube inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea to provide an airway for oxygen) and mechanical ventilation are given. Intravenous fluids can be given while swallowing difficulties persist. Also, naso-gastric (feeding through a tube inserted in the nose) feeding may be initiated.

Complications

aspiration pneumonia and infection, respiratory distress ,long-lasting weakness
nervous system dysfunction for up to one year