Botulism

**Definition:** A disease caused by an infection with the gram-positive bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This disease commonly presents with abdominal pain, vomiting, acute paralysis, blurred vision, diplopia, and may be fatal. Transmission is by ingestion of contaminated food, direct contact, or from accidental overdose. Confirmation is by identification of Clostridium botulinum in a faecal or food sample.

**Long definition:** Disease caused by potent protein neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, which interfere with the presynaptic release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction; clinical features include abdominal pain, vomiting, acute paralysis, blurred vision and diplopia; botulism may be classified into several subtypes such as food borne, infant, wound, and others.