What is Botulism?
[[File:Botulism1and2.JPG|thumb|'''Botulism1and2''']] '''Botulism''' is a rare [[disease]] caused by a [[bacteria]] called ''Clostridium botulinum''. You can get it from eating [[meat]] that is not cooked properly. Babies can get it as well as adults. Symptoms include [[fever]], [[vomit]]ing, difficulty talking and weakness of the [[face|facial]] [[muscle]]s. Botulism [[toxin]] is a major [[ingredient]] in [[botox]], a gel that relaxes the facial muscles to make people look younger. Botulism is caused by a species of ''[[Clostridium]]'', C. botulinum. It is transmitted through food containing [[endospore]]s or through a wound. The most potent [[neurotoxin]] known is produced when the bacteria is exposed to low [[oxygen]] and [[body temperature]]. Foods which have been improperly canned are responsible for 90% of the cases of botulism. Natural, unpasteurized honey has been known to transmit infection and intoxication with the [[pathogen]] and the neurotoxin. Botulism is a neuroparalytic disease causing a flaccid [[paralysis]]; the neurotoxin blocks [[neurotransmitters]]. This results in an inability to contract muscles. The neurotoxin has been used medically in the management of severe pain by anaesthetists and also cosmetically to reduce wrinkles. {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Diseases caused by bacteria]] [[Category:Clostridium]]