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Causes of Botulism

 The presence of a neurotoxin in the body paralyses the nerves, because of which, the muscles cannot contract. This is because the neurotoxins enter the nerve cells and interfere with the release of acetylcholine. As a result, the nerves lose the ability to stimulate muscle contractions.

There are different factors that could lead to Botulism. Given below are the causes of botulism:

• Infant Botulism: Babies can get Infant Botulism because of exposure to contaminated soil. Once the spores of the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria enter the baby’s body, they grow and multiply within the intestines and then produce the toxins. Food items like honey and corn syrup could also be sources of the Clostridium Botulinum spores and can lead to Infant Botulism.
• Wound Botulism: It is possible for the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria to enter the body through a cut or a wound, after which they multiply and create toxins. People who inject heroine are usually at a high risk of getting wound botulism.
• Food-borne Botulism: Many home-canned food products like beets, corn and green beans are low in acid. The Clostridium Botulinum bacteria can thrive in such environments, which leads to the production of toxins in the intestines. Other food items that can also trigger off the disease include chili peppers, fermented seafood, garlic-infused oil and baked potato.