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Clostridium botulinum
Member of genus Clostridium
Clostridium botulinum is a spore-forming, anaerobic bacillus which
produces a toxin that causes botulism. C. botulinum was first
recognized and isolated in 1896 by Van Ermengem and is commonly found
in soil.
Cultural characteristics
These rod-shaped organisms grow best in low oxygen conditions. The
bacteria form spores which allow them to survive in a dormant state
until exposed to conditions that can support their growth. There are
seven types of botulism toxin designated by the letters A through G;
only types A, B, E and F cause illness in humans.
Subtypes
Each of the seven subtypes of C. botulinum produce seven different
botulinum toxins (one per subtype). These are labeled with letters and
are called A-G types (types C and D are not human pathogens). A "mouse
protection" test determines the type of C. botulinum present
(monoclonal antibodies used). In the United States, outbreaks are
primarily due to types A, B (which are found in soil) or E (which is
found in fish). Optimum temperature for types A & B is 35-40° C.
Minimum pH is 4.6. It takes 25 min at 100°C to kill these types.
Optimum temperature for type E is 18-25°C. Minimum pH is 5.0. It takes
about 0.1 minute at 100°C to kill type E C. botulinum.
Disease caused by
Clostridium botulinum
Uses
Clostridium botulinum is also used to prepare Botox, used to
selectively paralyze muscles to temporarily relieve wrinkles. It has
other "off-label" medical purposes, such as treating headaches.
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