Botulism: Causes

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).