fot. Lacy, DB, Tepp, W., Cohen, AC, DasGupta, BR, Stevens, RC / wikipedia.org (CC BY-SA 2.)

Botulinum venom is a protein toxin belonging to the neurotoxin, an exotoxin produced by the obligate anaerobic bacteria Clostridium botulinum.

It is a highly poisonous substance for the human body.

Botulinum toxin interesting facts


1. Botulinum venom is otherwise known as botulinum toxin, botulinum toxin or botulin.

2. Botulus in Latin means “sausage”.

3. The first case of botulism was described by the German physician and writer Justinus Kerner in 1817. 13 people got poisoned with smoked sausage. 6 died.

Added: MR

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Botulinum toxin questions and answers


Where did the name ‘sausage venom’ come from?

The first reported case of poisoning concerned 13 people becoming ill after consuming smoked sausage.

Answer: MR


What are the symptoms of botulism?

The main symptoms are: nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, weakness, ptosis, double vision.

Answer: MR


Why can botulism be fatal?

As respiratory failure, aspiration pneumonia, or cardiac arrest may occur.

Answer: MR


How can botulism develop?

The poisoning occurs through the ingestion of food containing toxins. Most often, poisoning occurs after eating canned meat, vegetables or fish.

Answer: MR


What is childhood botulism?

Pediatric botulism is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, found in honey. This ailment affects babies up to the age of one. Therefore, you should not give your baby honey during this period.

Answer: MR


How to recognize if the canned food is botulinum poisoning?

The most vulnerable are home-made, badly cooked, badly stored and out-of-date preserves. It often results in distortion of the can, and with the opening you can hear the characteristic hiss and unpleasant smell.

Answer: MR


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