Botulism (Noun)
Meaning
Food poisoning from ingesting botulin; not infectious; affects the CNS; can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Botulism is a serious form of food poisoning caused by ingesting botulin, a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.
- Symptoms of botulism typically begin within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food, and can include difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, and shortness of breath.
- Unlike many other forms of food poisoning, botulism is not infectious and cannot be spread from person to person.
- Botulism affects the central nervous system, causing muscle weakness and paralysis, and can be fatal if not treated promptly with antitoxin medication.
- Canned foods that are not properly sterilized or sealed can be a common source of botulism, as the bacteria can thrive in the low-oxygen environment of the can.