Botulism

Infectious Diseases
Neurological Disorders

Botulism is a rare and potentially fatal illness caused by botulinum toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It can cause weakness, blurred vision, fatigue and trouble speaking, and may impair breathing. Forms include foodborne, infant and wound botulism, but it is not passed directly between people. Prevention mainly involves proper food preparation. Treatment includes antitoxin, while mechanical ventilation may be needed when breathing is lost.

Cause: Botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum
Transmission: Not passed directly between people
Treatment: Antitoxin

Sources and credits

Article: Botulism (English Wikipedia)
Wikidata: Q154865
Text: Card text is adapted from the English Wikipedia article by an automated summary. Wikipedia content is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for its contributors. CC BY-SA 4.0 · Article history and contributors
Illustration: By Herbert L. Fred, MD and Hendrik A. van Dijk. CC BY 2.0 · File page on Wikimedia Commons
Herbert L. Fred, MD and Hendrik A. van Dijk, Images of Memorable Cases: 50 Years at the Bedside
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