The most common form of botulism in the United States, infant botulism, is caused when ingested C. botulinum spores colonize and subsequently produce toxin in the intestines of affected infants.
What are the 3 types of botulism?
Botulism is a serious illness caused by a nerve toxin made by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum). A toxin is a poison that is released by some bacteria. There are three types of botulism: food, wound and infant botulism.
What is the most common form of botulism in the US each year?
Since 1980, infant botulism has been the most commonly reported form of botulism in the US. Infant botulism is a sporadic disease. While it is a serious illness for the affected child, it does not pose a public health threat because it is extremely rare and has no epidemic potential.
What are common sources 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.
What is the most common cause of botulism?
botulinum. The most common way this happens is when a contaminated illicit drug, such as black tar heroin, is injected into muscle or skin. Wound botulism also has been reported following traumatic injuries, such as motorcycle crashes and surgeries.
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