Definition
Botulism is a disease that attacks the nerves and is caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. These bacteria are often found in soil and water. Actually, the bacterium clostridium botulinum does not cause disease, but the toxin it produces can cause botulism.
The toxin from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum can cause flaccid paralysis (muscle spasms or paralysis) in humans and animals. Usually, the part that is most often attacked is the nervous system (such as the brain and spine) which can cause muscle paralysis.
Bacteria usually enter the body through food or wounds. Botulism can affect anyone, but it cannot be passed from person to person.
Reason
Botulism is caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is an anaerobic, gram-positive, and rod-shaped bacterium. The spores of this bacterium are resistant to a number of environmental stresses such as heat, and high acidity, and can become active in low acid (pH greater than 4.6).
There are various types of botulinum toxins. Types A, B, E, and F cause problems in humans. Meanwhile, types A, B, and E toxins cause diseases that are spread through food, with type E being specific for fish products.
Apart from passing through food, botulism can occur due to exposure to open wounds by botulism toxins. Botulinum toxin can reach nerve terminals and cause excitatory synaptic transmission disorders.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of botulism is determined by examining a patient with a history of exposure to the toxin and the presence of characteristic clinical symptoms. Patients may experience problems because of a history of consuming canned food and because of complaints of various neurological disorders such as diplopia, blurred vision, dry mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Several diseases with similar symptoms that need to be ruled out are Guillain-Barre Syndrome, stroke, and Myasthenia gravis.
Symptom
Symptoms of botulism begin 18–24 hours after eating the poisoned food. The various symptoms that can arise are:
- visual disturbances
- inability to swallow
- speech difficulties
- signs of paralysis (seizures, weakness, muscle paralysis) are progressive
- respiratory muscle paralysis
- cardiac arrest.
Treatment
Treatment of botulism requires intensive care in a hospital. If you don’t get proper treatment, this disease can become a life-threatening disorder.
Emptying the stomach to remove contaminated food is usually done immediately. Administering antitoxin cannot stop the damage that has already occurred. However, the administration of antitoxin can slow down the damage that occurs. Antitoxin is usually effective if given within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Prevention
Prevention of botulism can be done by cooking food well at 80° C for 30 minutes. By doing this, you have prevented botulism which is spread through food.
Spoiled canned food should be thrown away. Pay attention to the canned food you eat, avoid cans that are damaged or bulging. Wash your hands every time you handle food or have contact with someone who has botulinum.