Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Botulism is caused by botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum (very rarely also C. butyricum or C. baratii). Botulinum toxin is a toxin that acts on the motor endplate to inhibit muscle excitation.
Etiology (Causes)
Behavioral causes
- Consumption of
- Contaminated canned food, especially canned sausage and vegetables.
- Roach (Rutilus rutilus; synonyms: roach, loggerhead or the swallow): fish from the carp family; botulism risk is increased if the fish is not carefully gutted and innards are consumed as well
- Feeding honey to infants (infant botulism).
Disease-related causes
Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99).