Question

What is a main difference in the pathological process affecting nervous system in case of the patient with botulism comparing to the case of tetanus?

Answer 1

Clostridium is responsible for both the type of infection. C.titanus releases tetanospasmin whereas C. Botulinum releases botulinum toxins. However both type of toxics are preliminary affects the nervous system but the mechanism of action and pathology is different.

In case of C.titanus, the toxin is taken by axon by endocytosis. The toxic is binds to the nerve terminus and transported to axon, across the synaptic junction which results in blocking the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters glycine and gamma- butyric acid. It causes muscle spasms, Specifically jaws muscle spasms.

In case of C. botilium, it mainly affects the PNC, at neuromuscular junction, across the synaptic cleft the toxin is binds to neuron and prevent the release of acetylcholine. It causes flaccid paralysis.