Question

PATHOGENS QUESTION

The CDC is investigating an outbreak of botulism among infants at a daycare. The source of this infection was traced to contaminated honey used to sweeten the baby formula. Which of the following statements would be most likely to apply to this particular outbreak:

A) Formation of grey pseudomembrane over tonsils

B) Infection caused by ingestion of botulism toxin present in the contaminated honey

C) Infected infants displayed rigid paralysis

D) Infection caused by ingestion of C. botulinum spores present in the contaminated honey

Answer 1

Ans - D) Infection caused by ingestion of Clostridium Botulinum Bacterium spores present in the contaminated honey

EXPLANATION :-

Since the source of botulism infection, as investigated by CDC, is contaminated honey used for infants, it is a category of infant botulism as babies under 1 year of age are prone to such infections. The digestive system of the babies is weak to handle the C. Botulinum Bacterium that enter via soil or honey. Infants under the age of 1 year may get Botulism infection in the large intestine due to C. Botulinum spores ingested by the baby. A common symptom of this infection is regular constipation in the babies. Botulism leads to muscle weakness and makes the child irritable. Utmost care should be taken for preparing and preserving the honey used as a sweetner for preparing baby formula. This type of infection doesn't occur in adults as their digestive system is fully developed to avoid intoxication by Botulinum toxin secreted by C. Botulinum Bacteria. However, adults can get Foodborne Botulism infection, as described in the following paragraph.

Botulism infection can be caused by the ingestion of botulism toxin (Botulinum toxin) that is a potent neurotoxin for intoxication by the contaminated food, here honey. Botulinum toxins are considered very dangerous and fatal for human-beings. These toxins are produced by spores of Clostridium Botulinum Bacterium under low-oxygen environments. These spores are resistant to heat and can servive in almost all kinds of environment and in low-oxygen conditions, they grow rapidly and create Botulinum toxins. Neurotoxins like Botulinum toxin can cause paralysis by blocking the nerve functioning.