Botulism is a serious but rather rare paralytic illness. It is caused by botulin- a nerve toxin, which is produced by the Clostridium bacterium. Botulin is a deadly toxin which ultimately blocks nerve functions and leads to respiratory and musculoskeletal paralysis.
There are three chief types of botulism:- namely foodborne, infant and wound botulism. Foodborne botulism is basically caused by home canned foods like corn, beetroots and green beans. In addition there have been cases reported caused by oil infused with potatoes and garlic and chili peppers.
Infant botulism is caused by corn or honey syrup. Wound botulism on the other hand is often experienced by drug addicts, in particular heroin addicts who frequently inject themselves. The wounds caused contain the bacteria responsible for botulism. On an average in the USA, 110 cases of botulism are reported every year.
There are three chief types of botulism:- namely foodborne, infant and wound botulism. Foodborne botulism is basically caused by home canned foods like corn, beetroots and green beans. In addition there have been cases reported caused by oil infused with potatoes and garlic and chili peppers.
Infant botulism is caused by corn or honey syrup. Wound botulism on the other hand is often experienced by drug addicts, in particular heroin addicts who frequently inject themselves. The wounds caused contain the bacteria responsible for botulism. On an average in the USA, 110 cases of botulism are reported every year.
