Question #16
2006
📝 Question
Botulism is a disease caused by a:
❓ Options
A
Virus
B
Bacterium
✓ Correct Answer
C
Nematode
D
Fungus
💡 Explanation
- Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
- The toxin affects the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and difficulty breathing.
- It can result from consuming improperly preserved or canned food (foodborne botulism), wounds infected with the bacteria (wound botulism), or in infants from ingesting spores (infant botulism).
- Symptoms include blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness.
- Botulism is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment, often with antitoxins and supportive care like ventilators.
- Preventive measures include proper food preservation techniques and hygiene.
- Although rare, botulism can be lifethreatening if not treated promptly..