BOTULISM Meaning and
Definition
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Botulism is a potentially life-threatening bacterial illness caused by toxins produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This rare but serious condition typically arises from the ingestion of food contaminated with the Clostridium botulinum bacterium or its spores. The bacteria thrive in improperly preserved and processed foods, especially those with low acidity levels. Botulism can also result from wound contamination or infant intestinal colonization, although these occurrences are less common.
Symptoms of botulism typically develop within a few hours to several days after consuming contaminated food or being exposed to contaminated wounds. These symptoms include muscle weakness and paralysis, starting with the face and spreading to other parts of the body. Other common symptoms include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, and breathing difficulties. If not promptly treated, botulism can lead to severe respiratory failure and even death.
Immediate medical attention is crucial for individuals suspected of having botulism. Treatment commonly involves administering an antitoxin to counteract the effects of the toxin. Additionally, supportive care such as mechanical ventilation may be necessary to aid breathing in severely affected individuals.
Prevention of botulism primarily entails practicing proper food handling and preservation techniques. These include maintaining strict hygiene during food preparation, correctly storing and canning foods, and using proper cooking methods. Avoiding consuming canned or preserved foods with damaged packaging, bulging, or strange odors is also essential to reduce the risk of botulism.
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Allantiasis; poisoning by tainted sausage.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of BOTULISM
The word "botulism" was coined in the late 19th century and has its roots in Latin and Greek. It comes from the Latin word "botulus", meaning sausage, which in turn is derived from the Greek word "botulon", also meaning sausage.
The term "botulism" was assigned to the illness because it was initially associated with the consumption of spoiled, improperly processed sausages that were particularly prone to causing the disease. Later, it was discovered that the illness is actually caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Hence, the term "botulism" became associated with the bacterial toxin rather than sausages themselves.
Similar spelling words for BOTULISM
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