Question

1. How is it possible that vegetables in my garden are contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, but no botulism toxin is present?

               a. Would boiling these vegetables eliminate the Clostridium botulinum?

               b. Under what condition would you find the production of botulism toxin by Clostridium botulinum?

               c. What are the symptoms associated with botulism?

Answer 1

Clostridium botulinum is a Gram positive rod shaped spore forming bacteria and obligate anaerobe.Clostridium species are widely present in the soil and contaminate fruits ,vegetables and leaves.

A) All toxins are destroyed at 100 ⁰ C for 15 min ,but Clostridium botulinum type A is the most potent toxin and can be destroyed at 160 ^oC for 10 min.

B) In Anaerobic conditions Cl.botulinum under goes sporulation and produces neurotoxin botulin.

C) Symptoms associated with botulism are Double vision,Blurred vission,Drooping eye lid,Slurred speech,trouble in breathing,difficulty to swallow,Dry mouth,Muscle weakness, Constipation,absence of tendon reactions.etc