Clostridium Botulinum Flashcards Preview

Intro Med Quiz 1 > Clostridium Botulinum > Flashcards

Flashcards in Clostridium Botulinum Deck (11)
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1
Q

Definition of clostridium botulinum

A

commonly grows in soil and produces a toxin that leads to acute paralytic illness

2
Q

3 Types of clostridium botulinum

A

Foodborne (25%), Infant (72%), Wound

3
Q

Incidence of clostridium botulinum

A

About 110 cases/yr in USA

4
Q

Incubation Period of clostridium botulinum

A

Variable; 6 HOURS - 10 DAYS (typically 18-36 hrs)

5
Q

Presentation in Adults of clostridium botulinum

A

“Descending Paralysis,” droopy eyelids, blurred vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, fixed/dilated pupils, can even paralyze respiratory muscles and extremeties

6
Q

Presentation in Infants of clostridium botulinum

A

“Floppy Infant”: lethargic, feed poorly, constipated, poor muscle tone, weak cry

7
Q

Is clostridium botulinum Reportable in NC?

A

Yes- IMMEDIATELY

8
Q

Differential of clostridium botulinum

A
  1. Guillian Barre (often autoimmune)
  2. stroke
  3. Myasthenia Gravis (use tests for nerve conduction, spinal fluid analysis, tensilon test)
9
Q

How to confirm patient has botulism?

A

Inject clinical serum, stool, or wound specimen into mouse- look for signs of botulism in mouse/isolate botulism from the stool
must be done at state department

10
Q

Treatment

A

supportive care: ventilator if needed!
Adults: antitoxin
Infants: immune globulin (passive immunity)

11
Q

Prevention

A
  1. follow food safety guidelines when home canning
  2. don’t give honey to infants under 12 months
  3. avoid drug injection