Limp infant showing poor muscle tone of botulism.
Botulism is caused by a bacterial protein that has been taken by mouth (eaten) or inhaled. It is one of the most potent toxic compounds known.
Food borne botulism is caused by eating foods that contain the botulism toxin. –
Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced from a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum. –
Infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of the botulinum bacteria, which then grow in the intestines and release toxin.
Affected individuals may have difficulty speaking, seeing, and swallowing. Depending on the severity of exposure, symptoms may progress to general muscle weakness and respiratory failure. Without adequate respiratory care and treatment with antitoxin, death can occur within 24 to 72 hours.
Botulism does not spread from person to person. A bioterrorist attack would likely involve airborne or food borne release of botulinum toxin. Food borne botulism would be especially dangerous since it can affect many people. Antibiotics are not effective.