Question

Botulism caused by Clostridium botulinum affects the

(a) lymph glands

(b) central nervous system

(c) spleen

(d) intestine.

Answer 1

ANS: b

Central nervous system

Botulism is a neuro toxin it block/prevent the release of acetylcholine from nerve ends of motor neurons leads to loss of neurotransmission leads loss of muscle contraction known as flaccid paralysis. Botulism toxin binds SV 2 protein and it will be internalized and inside the neuron prevents the exocytosis of vesicle and further stops release of acetylcholine. It specifically cleaves SNARE protein which is involved in the fusion of synaptic vesicle to plasmamembrane of nerve end neurons leads stop of acetylcholine release and prevents the signal transmission.