botulism

bot·u·lism

noun \ˈbä-chə-ˌli-zəm\

Definition of BOTULISM

: an acute paralytic disease caused by botulinum toxin especially in food

First Known Use of BOTULISM

1887

Rhymes with BOTULISM

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bot·u·lism

noun \ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of BOTULISM

: acute food poisoning caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterium of the genus Clostridium (C. botulinum) and characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate—see botulinum toxin, limberneck

botulism

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Poisoning by botulinum toxin, one of the most potent toxins known, produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It usually results from improperly sterilized canned (mostly home-canned) foods. Heat-resistant spores of these anaerobic bacteria in fresh food may survive canning. The bacteria multiply and secrete toxin, which remains potent if the food is not well heated before it is eaten. Botulism can also result from wound infection. Botulinum toxin blocks nerve-impulse transmission. If botulism is recognized in time, administered antitoxins can neutralize it. The first symptoms of botulism are nausea and vomiting, which usually appear six hours or less after the contaminated food is eaten. Fatigue, blurry vision, and general weakness follow. Respiratory paralysis can cause death if not treated with emergency tracheotomy and respiratory aid. Most victims recover completely if they survive paralysis. The bacteria's intense toxicity makes it a potentially deadly biological warfare agent.