Botulism is a rare and serious disease caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum, found in poorly preserved foods and foods, infection with this bacteria can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and if not treated, can cause muscle damage.
Depending on the mechanism by which the bacterial toxin enters the body, the disease is classified as:
- It is important that botulism is diagnosed with blood and microbiological tests to initiate treatment and prevent disease progression.
- As there may be complications such as disability or death.
Signs and symptoms of botulism usually appear 4 to 36 hours after the toxin enters the body. Because the concentration of the toxin in the blood is high, symptoms appear earlier, but the main symptoms:
As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and debilitating, mainly due to weakness of the respiratory muscles, resulting in breathing difficulties, and can even cause paralysis disease of these muscles.
In the case of infant botulism, characterized by bacteria entering the body and subsequent production of toxins, the clinical picture can range from mild to very sudden, so it is important to identify botulism as soon as the first symptoms appear so that it can be achieved as quickly as possible.
Botulism is mainly caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria and their toxin, the main cause of childhood botulism is the consumption of myeloids before the first life, because this age of the baby’s immune system is not yet well developed, so it is prone to infections. opportunistic bacteria.
The canned landlord also has a high risk of infection with Clostridium botulinum, which has moisture and nutrients and has no oxygen, but bacteria can multiply and produce toxins resistant to digestive enzymes, leading to food poisoning.
Vegetables, fish, fruits and spices are the most common food sources. Beef and pork, dairy products, poultry and other foods may also contain bacteria or botulinum toxin.
The diagnosis of botulism is made by the doctor based on the analysis of the symptomatology presented by the patient, in addition to blood tests that should indicate the presence of bacteria in the body; after diagnosis treatment is indicated, which should preferably be performed in the hospital, as the antibiotic is given to neutralize the effects of the toxin on the body.
The best way to prevent botulism is to wash food well before preparing and consuming food, as well as meeting storage conditions, avoiding leaving food in environments above 15oC, for example. In addition, it is recommended to avoid consumption of preserves or preserves. glass-packed foods, which change their appearance.