Clostridium botulinum
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Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that produces the toxin botulin, the causative agent in botulism. It is included in the genus Clostridium, a major group of Gram-positive forms. C. botulinum was first recognized and isolated in 1896 by Emile van Ermengem and is commonly found in soil.
These rod-shaped organisms grow best in low-oxygen conditions. They form spores that allow them to survive in a dormant state until exposed to conditions that can support their growth.
Subtypes
Each of the seven subtypes of C. botulinum produces a different botulin toxin. These are labeled with letters and are called A to G types. Types C and D are not human pathogens. A "mouse protection" test determines the type of C. botulinum present using monoclonal antibodies.In the United States, outbreaks are primarily due to types A or B, which are found in soil, or type E, which is found in fish. Optimum temperature for types A and B is 35-40° C. Minimum pH is 4.6. It takes 25 min at 100°C to kill these types. Optimum temperature for type E is 18-25°C. Minimum pH is 5.0. It takes about 0.1 minute at 100°C to kill type E C. botulinum.
Clostridium botulinum is also used to prepare Botox, used to selectively paralyze muscles to temporarily relieve wrinkles. It has other "off-label" medical purposes, such as treating severe facial pain, such as that caused by trigeminal neuralgia.
Botulin toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum is often believed to be a potential bioweapon as it is so potent that it takes less that 1 microgram to kill a person.
Clostridium botulinum is a soil bacterium. It affects foods that are of neutral pH.
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External links
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