Botulism is caused by a neurotoxin produced by which organism?

Botulism is caused by a neurotoxin produced by which organism?

• A. Cholera
• B. Staphylococcus Aureus
• C. Clostridium Botulinum
• D. Clostridium Difficile

Answer: (C)

Botulism comes from a potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. This anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium contaminates improperly preserved foods, and its toxin blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, causing a descending, symmetric flaccid paralysis that can progress to respiratory failure. The toxin is extremely potent, so even small amounts can cause illness, and treatment relies on antitoxin and supportive care. The other organisms listed are linked to different diseases—cholera toxin causes profuse diarrhea, Staphylococcus aureus produces enterotoxins that cause food poisoning, and Clostridium difficile causes antibiotic-associated colitis—so the toxin responsible for botulism specifically points to Clostridium botulinum.

Botulism comes from a potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. This anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium contaminates improperly preserved foods, and its toxin blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, causing a descending, symmetric flaccid paralysis that can progress to respiratory failure. The toxin is extremely potent, so even small amounts can cause illness, and treatment relies on antitoxin and supportive care. The other organisms listed are linked to different diseases—cholera toxin causes profuse diarrhea, Staphylococcus aureus produces enterotoxins that cause food poisoning, and Clostridium difficile causes antibiotic-associated colitis—so the toxin responsible for botulism specifically points to Clostridium botulinum.