Question

Botulism caused by Clostridium botulinum affects the

(a) lymph glands

(b) central nervous system

(c) spleen

(d) intestine.

Answer 1

Option b is the correct answer. Clostridium botulinum enter to the humany body by contaminated food or through open wond. It secrets botuline toxin which is a neurotoxin and one of the most dangerous substances known. The secreted toxin in intestine absorbed to the blood stream and attack on the nerve endings. Although it does not cross the blood brain barrier, it acts on other part (spinal cord) of central nervous systems which are responsible for many function. The most common effect is shuttling of breathing. The respiratory center is situated in medulla oblongata which extends their nerve supply to the lungs and respiratory muscles. Botulin toxin attacks on the endings of these nerves and hence causes problem in breathing even it may cause paralysis of the muscles responsible for brathing.