Premium Essay

Botulism Research Paper

Submitted By
Words 712
Pages 3
Sandra L. West
Professor Wilson
Microbiology 2211
18 June 2018
Botulism
Botulism is an illness caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The bacteria that causes botulism can be naturally present in the environment, usually within the soil. Surprisingly, the bacteria alone do not cause botulism, the bacteria produce spores, this provides a special cover for the bacteria. The spores are what can grow and produce the toxin that causes botulism. Conditions that help spores grow and make toxins are low-oxygen, low acid, low sugar, and low salt. Home canning if not done properly can lead to botulism.
Botulism mainly falls into five different kinds: foodborne, wound, infant, adult intestinal toxemia, and iatrogenic. Symptoms …show more content…
Initial diagnosis is usually made by clinical symptoms only to be confirmed later by a lab test.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by lab test confirming the botulism toxin, such test may include testing the stool or foods involved. Other routine tests that are helpful are complete blood count to include electrolytes and a urinalysis. Other test may be necessary to rule out neurological disorders, such as cerebral vascular accidents. Treatment for botulism should be aggressive, this will increase the chances to help stop the progression of the toxins. A usual treatment may include the administering of a botulism antitoxin. Extreme care should be taken to monitor the individuals with botulism. When treating wound botulism, it will be necessary to treat with antibiotics. Careful selection of antibiotic should be taken, sometimes the toxin is resistant to multiple antibiotics. This could pose a significant problem if the would infection is not treated effectively. Recovery from botulism can be slow, sometimes the effects last for years. Over the years treatment for botulism has been more effective than in the past. This could be due to trial and error of the previous cases. Once a case is discovered it must be reported to the CDC. Botulism is a very aggressive and serious illness and should be treated as such. With proper and aggressive treatments, the survival rate will hopefully continue to grow

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Botulism Research Paper

...Botulism is a rare and serious illness caused by a toin produced by the bateria Clostridium Botulinum. An average of 145 cases have been reported in the United States each year. There are three major types of botulism: foodborne, wound, and infant botulism. All of these botulism types can be fatal. Foodborne botulism is a public health emergency because a lot of people can be poisoned by eating a contaminated food. Clostridium Botulinum can be found in soil. It produces spores that can survive and thrive in improperly preserved or canned food, where it produces toxin. Tiny amounts of this toxin can lead to poisoning when ingested. Early symptoms include fatigue, weakness, usually followed by blurred vision, dry mouth and difficulty in swallowing and speaking. Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal swelling may also occur. The disease goes to the neck and arms making them weak and after that the respiratory muscles and muscles of the lower body are affected. There is no fever or loss of consciousness. Symptoms in infants may include contipation, drooling, poor feeing and weak sucking, respiratory distress, weakness and loss of muscle tone. The symptoms usually appear 12-36 hours after exposure but can occur as early as six hours or as late as 10 days afterward. Severe poisoning can cause respiratory failure and death....

Words: 529 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Medical Use of Honey Bee Products

...Medical Use of Honey Bee Products Apitherapy is the use of honey bee products in treating illnesses and diseases. Apis means “bee” while “therapy” is a treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder. The different products derived from the beehive which can be used in apitherapy are: honey, pollen, propolis, venom, wax and royal jelly. Being from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, we all have been exposed to honey bees and their products in unique ways. Despite our differences, collectively, we share great interest in the application of honey, bee venom (BV) and propolis in contemporary medicinal practices. In the following paragraphs each member shares their personal exposure with bees and why they have an interest in the medicinal use of BV. Mai As a young boy, my father intentionally interfered with bees in order to get stung. Now, being an adult, he is immune to bee stings, showing no signs of inflammation after a bee sting. The first time I got stung by a bee I was 7 years old. It hurt so badly and one thing was sure: “I would not walk in my father’s footsteps, when it comes to the subject bee stings.” In university, a classmate mentioned that BV contains certain chemicals which are beneficial to multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Although my first experience was unpleasant, I started to believe that bees can be useful. Good story: it reveals the sources of your curiosities and it draws out social issues. Morayo “They sting! Keep away!” this was my...

Words: 2002 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Bad Bug Book

...Bad Bug Book   Handbook of Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins                                              Introduction  Food safety is a complex issue that has an impact on all segments of society, from the general public to government, industry, and academia. The second edition of the Bad Bug Book, published by the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides current information about the major known agents that cause foodborne illness. The information provided in this handbook is abbreviated and general in nature, and is intended for practical use. It is not intended to be a comprehensive scientific or clinical reference. Under the laws administered by FDA, a food is adulterated if it contains (1) a poisonous or otherwise harmful substance that is not an inherent natural constituent of the food itself, in an amount that poses a reasonable possibility of injury to health, or (2) a substance that is an inherent natural constituent of the food itself; is not the result of environmental, agricultural, industrial, or other contamination; and is present in an amount that ordinarily renders the food injurious to health. The first includes, for example, a toxin produced by a fungus that has contaminated a food, or a pathogenic bacterium or virus, if the amount present in the food may be injurious to health. An example of the second...

Words: 91823 - Pages: 368

Premium Essay

Pregnancy Tips

...Unfortunately, you'll need to stick it out a bit longer. About four days after your egg is fertilized, it begins producing a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which pregnancy tests can detect in about another week -- first in your blood (via a test at your doctor's office) and then in your urine (which an at-home screening would spot). Week 3 Get yourself a good doctor -- pronto! Having a healthcare provider you like and trust is key. After all, this is the person who will guide you through your entire pregnancy, labor, and delivery, along with the millions of questions, tests, and emotional ups and downs along the way. If you don't currently have an ob-gyn you love, ask friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations or research practices until you find someone you feel comfortable with. And, hey, your choices are not limited to regular obstetricians. You might also want to investigate alternative or additional types of care -- including midwives or family physicians Week 4 Don't be surprised if your doctor doesn't schedule an appointment to see you until your 8- to 12-week mark. Many healthcare practices have potential mommies-to-be come in for a blood test with a nurse first to confirm pregnancy and then wait until you're far enough along to better estimate yourdue date through an ultrasound test. * Week 1 Speak with your doctor about adding a...

Words: 8796 - Pages: 36

Premium Essay

Ethics

...The Ethics Thing: Why It Matters More in Hard Times and Why It’s So Hard to Do What Makes Good and Smart People Do Dumb and Unethical Things? Professor Marianne M. Jennings W.P. Carey School of Business Ethical Lapses • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Student loan lenders: Sallie Mae and 17 universities Adelphia Boeing Cendant Computer Associates Tyco International T I t ti l General Electric Global Crossing Merrill Lynch Enron Qwest WorldCom Royal Shell Nortel Krispy Kreme Refco UnitedHealth Group Merck Chiquita World Bank BP Madoff Investment Securities • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • AT&T Titan Xerox Kmart Citigroup Lucent ImClone Arthur Andersen HealthSouth Royal Ahold Parmalat Apollo Group Marsh & McLennan AIG (twice)(Putnam)(Mercer) Fannie Mae (twice) KPMG (twice) GM Options scandals (200 companies) HP Universities and travel Siemens Countrywide Financial Société General Milberg Weiss Bear Stearns Satyam (India) Stanford Investments Jennings 1 Government Issues • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Illinois – Gov. Ryan Illinois – Blago Baltimore’s mayor Detroit’s mayor – Kwame Kilpatrick San Diego -- $1.1 billion pension fund deficit; skimming to meet city budget Connecticut – Gov. Rowland Chicago – Mayor’s office and contracts Embezzlement – BLM E b l t Former Delay aides and guilty pleas Abramoff Duke Cunningham -- $2.4 million from defense contractors State crime labs and scandals Tom DeLay Clark...

Words: 3475 - Pages: 14

Free Essay

Philosophical Scope of Fiction in Sidney Sheldon Life

...Philosophical scope of fiction in Sidney Sheldon life Ume Sumayya Abstract My aspiration to contemplate what I want is the fundamental question that essentially arises whenever associate degree scholar of ideas ‘deals with a piece that he hopes to grasp. Such scholar could have centered his attention on a piece of literature - a literary composition, a play, a completely unique novel - or on a piece of philosophy – some exercise in moral, political, religious, or different such mode of thought. However the fundamental question can all tell such cases remain the same: what area unit the suitable procedures to adopt within the try of arrival at understanding of the work? This paper provides a synopsis of Sidney Sheldon life, reviews its key scientific challenges, and discusses its philosophical implications. It ends with many words concerning the implications of his work for the society. INTRODUCTION Sydney Sheldon is the most celebrated dramatic/suspense novel author of twentieth century. He’s additionally film, TV & amp; stage show/drama author and winner of an honor. Sydney’s own life was a pure drama, poorest at one stage; rich person at another. State capital wrote his 1st novel at the age of fifty three once individuals begin coming up with for retirement. It had been an enormous flop, he didn’t surrender, wrote another that clothed to be an excellent success. He thought of life as a completely unique, you never understand what happens next till you switch consecutive...

Words: 3676 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Health Promotion and Prevention

...NINTH EDITION Burton’s MICROBIOLOGY FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES Paul G. Engelkirk, PhD, MT(ASCP), SM(AAM) Biomedical Educational Services (Biomed Ed) Belton, Texas Adjunct Faculty, Biology Department Temple College, Temple, TX Janet Duben-Engelkirk, EdD, MT(ASCP) Biomedical Educational Services (Biomed Ed) Belton, Texas Adjunct Faculty, Biotechnology Department Temple College, Temple, TX Acquisitions Editor: David B. Troy Product Manager: John Larkin Managing Editor: Laura S. Horowitz, Hearthside Publishing Services Marketing Manager: Allison Powell Designer: Steve Druding Compositor: Maryland Composition/Absolute Service Inc. Ninth Edition Copyright © 2011 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a Wolters Kluwer business © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, © 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, © 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, © 1996 Lippincott-Raven, © 1992, 1988, 1983, 1979 JB Lippincott Co. 351 West Camden Street Baltimore, MD 21201 Printed in the People’s Republic of China All rights reserved. This book is protected by copyright. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including as photocopies or scanned-in or other electronic copies, or utilized by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the copyright owner, except for brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Materials appearing in this book prepared by individuals as part of their official duties as U.S. government employees...

Words: 118758 - Pages: 476

Premium Essay

Exsm

...culmination of years of my own research. And after careful thought, I put into the study guide what I feel are the most important concepts you need to know for the RD/DTR exam. If you notice, I spent much time teaching you in detail the concepts you need to know, not just “spitting” you questions with little or no explanation. I believe this is important. I know you might be thinking “oh, how am I going to absorb and learn all this material?” I say, just read and answer the questions at your own pace. Simply test yourself and of course take some breaks along the way. Just take it one concept at a time. After you have mastered one concept, then move on to the next. I know if you study whole-heartedly what I have outlined in this study guide, you are sure to pass! GOOD LUCK! YOU CAN DO IT! ϑ Your nutrition friend, -Jonathan Brown, B.S, DTR THE “NO FLUFF” RD/DTR STUDY GUIDE *Updated as of July 2011 The “NO FLUFF” RD/DTR STUDY GUIDE Tips for taking the RD/DTR exam 1. PERIODICALLY CHECK THE CLOCK TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE GOOD ON TIME! If you wish, get a basic digital watch with a timer for extra precaution. Let it “beep” a warning mark prior to the end of the timed test. 2. WEAR EAR PLUGS (if a little noise distracts you). 3. ORGANIZE YOUR “CHEAT SHEET” (you get 1 sheet of scrap paper during your test) SO SAVE ROOM FOR YOUR SCRAP PAPER. DON’T BE SLOPPY! ...

Words: 20721 - Pages: 83

Premium Essay

Food Defense

...[pic] FOOD SAFETY / FOOD DEFENSE RESPONSE PLAN September 2006 This document was prepared by Kenadine Johnson and staff Montana Office of Public Instruction Helena, Montana FOOD SAFETY/FOOD DEFENSE RESPONSE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS ACRONYMS----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-3 RESOURCES----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 A listing of links and papers we used to help compile this document. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ------------------------------------------------------ 5 SECTION I: INTRODUCTION Foreword ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Introduction-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 Purpose------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 Goals---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 SECTION II: SITUATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS----------------------- 8-9 SECTION III: CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS A. Incident Identification---------------------------------------------------------- 10 B. Notification and Action Triggers--------------------------------------------- 10 C. Communication----------------------------------------------------------------- 11 D. Interstate Coordination--------------------------------------------------------- 11 E. Food Team-----------------------------------------------------------------------...

Words: 8970 - Pages: 36

Free Essay

Registered General Nursing Student

...Section A: Basic Microbiology 1 SCOPE AND HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN MICROBIOLOGY “Science contributes to our culture in many ways, as a creative intellectual activity in its own right, as a light which has served to illuminate man’s place in the uni-verse, and as the source of understanding of man’s own nature” —John F. Kennedy (1917–63) The President of America The bacterium Escherichia coli INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE MICROBIOLOGY is a specialized area of biology (Gr. bios-life+ logos-to study) that concerns with the study of microbes ordinarily too small to be seen without magnification. Microorganisms are microscopic (Gr. mikros-small+ scopein-to see) and independently living cells that, like humans, live in communities. Microorganisms include a large and diverse group of microscopic organisms that exist as single cell or cell clusters (e.g., bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, protozoa and helminths) and the viruses, which are microscopic but not cellular. While bacteria and archaea are classed as prokaryotes (Gr. pro-before+ karyon-nucleus) the fungi, algae, protozoa and helminths are eukaryotes (Gr. eu-true or good+ karyon-nucleus). Microorganisms are present everywhere on earth, which includes humans, animals, plants and other living creatures, soil,water and atmosphere. Microorganisms are relevant to all of our lives in a multitude of ways. Sometimes, the influence of microorganisms on human life is beneficial, whereas at other times, it is detrimental. For example...

Words: 9515 - Pages: 39

Free Essay

Fundamental Nursing

...Chapter 1 Nursing Images throughout History 1) The angle of mercy 2) The handmaiden 3) The battle-ax 4) The naughty nurse 5) The military image A. Nurses on the battlefield * Hospitalers – specialized soldiers who at the end of battle returned to the outposts to care for the sick and injured * Army nursing service – organize nurses and hospitals and coordinate supplies for the soldiers during the Civil War * Clara Barton a. Provided care in tents set up close to the fighting b. Did not discriminate c. Establishment of the American Red Cross * Harriet Tubman – helped slaves escape to freedom on the underground railroad * Walt Whitman – a poet * Louisa May Alcott – an author * Dorothea Dix – union’s superintendent of female nurses during the Civil War B. Nurses fighting diseases * Florence Nightingale d. Epidemiology – the study of the distribution and origins of disease e. Air, light, nutrition, and adequate ventilation and space assist the patient to recuperate * Lillian Wald & Mary Brewster f. Founded the Henry Street Settlement in NY to improve the health and social conditions of poor immigrants g. Improve health and prevent illness by promoting safe drinking water, adequate sewage facilities, and proper sanitation Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) ...

Words: 12825 - Pages: 52

Premium Essay

Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple

...Preface A well-developed knowledge of clinical microbiology is critical for the practicing physician in any medical field. Bacteria, viruses, and protozoans have no respect for the distinction between ophthalmology, pediatrics, trauma surgery, or geriatric medicine. As a physician you will be faced daily with the concepts of microbial disease and antimicrobial therapy. Microbiology is one of the few courses where much of the "minutia" is regularly used by the practicing physician. This book attempts to facilitate the learning of microbiology by presenting the information in a clear and entertaining manner brimming with memory aids. Our approach has been to: 4) Create a conceptual, organized approach to the organisms studied so the student relies less on memory and more on logical pathophysiology. The text has been updated to include current information on rapidly developing topics, such as HIV and AIDS (vaccine efforts and all the new anti-HIV medications), Ebola virus, Hantavirus, E. coli outbreaks, Mad Cow Disease, and brand-new antimicrobial antibiotics. The mnemonics and cartoons in this book do not intend disrespect for any particular patient population or racial or ethnic group but are solely presented as memory devices to assist in the learning of a complex and important medical subject. We welcome suggestions for future editions. 1) Write in a conversational style for rapid assimilation. 2) Include numerous figures serving as "visual memory tools" and summary charts...

Words: 117402 - Pages: 470

Premium Essay

Work

...Service QualityLEARNING OBJECTIVESAfter completing this chapter, you should be able to: 1. Describe and illustrate the five dimensions of service quality. 2. Use the service quality gap model to diagnose quality problems for a service firm. 3. Describe how the SERVQUAL survey instrument is used to measure gaps in a service firm's quality. 4. Illustrate how Taguchi methods and poka-yoke methods are applied to quality design in services. 5. Construct a "house of quality" as part of a quality function deployment project. 6. Construct a statistical process control chart for service operation. 7. Use a fishbone chart in a cause-and-effect analysis. 8. Compare and contrast the quality program features espoused by Philip Crosby and W. Edward Deming. 9. Describe the features of an unconditional service guarantee and its managerial benefits.10. Discuss the concept of a service recovery.Service "with a smile" used to be enough to satisfy most customers. Today, however, some service firms differentiate themselves in the marketplace by offering a "service guarantee." Unlike a product warranty, which promises to repair or replace the faulty item, service guarantees typically offer the dis satisfied customer a refund, discount, or free service. Take, for example, the First Interstate Bank of California. After interviewing its customers, the bank management discovered that they were annoyed by a number of recurring problems, such as inaccurate statements and broken automatic teller machines...

Words: 14259 - Pages: 58

Premium Essay

Business

...Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, admits that she often finds herself in the kitchen reading soup-can labels—or anything—in order to prolong the moments before taking pen in hand. John C. Calhoun, vice president under Andrew Jackson, insisted he had to plow his fields before he could write, and Joseph Conrad, author of Lord Jim and other novels, is said to have cried on occasion from the sheer dread of sitting down to compose his stories. To spare you as much hand-wringing as possible, this chapter presents some practical suggestions on how to begin writing your short essay. Although all writers must find the methods that work best for them, you may find some of the following ideas helpful. But no matter how you actually begin putting words on paper, it is absolutely essential to maintain two basic ideas concerning your writing task. Before you write a single sentence, you should always remind yourself that 1. You have some valuable ideas to tell your reader, and 2. More than anything, you want to communicate those ideas to your reader. These reminders may seem obvious to you, but without a solid commitment to your own opinions as well as to your reader, your prose will be lifeless and boring. If you don’t care about your subject, you can’t very well expect anyone else to. Have confidence that your ideas are worthwhile and that your reader genuinely...

Words: 234754 - Pages: 940

Premium Essay

Note

...The Diversityof Life Lab Manual Stephen W. Ziser Department of Biology Pinnacle Campus for BIOL 1409 General Biology: The Diversity of Life Lab Activities, Homework & Lab Assignments 2013.8 Biol 1409: Diversity of Life – Lab Manual, Ziser, 2013.8 1 Biol 1409: Diversity of Life Ziser - Lab Manual Table of Contents 1. Overview of Semester Lab Activities Laboratory Activities . . . . . . . . . 2. Introduction to the Lab & Safety Information . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 15 30 39 46 54 68 81 104 147 3. Laboratory Exercises Microscopy . . . . . . Taxonomy and Classification . Cells – The Basic Units of Life . Asexual & Sexual Reproduction Development & Life Cycles . . Ecosystems of Texas . . . . The Bacterial Kingdoms . . . The Protists . . . . . . The Fungi . . . . . . . The Plant Kingdom . . . . The Animal Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 13 17 22 26 29 . 32 . 42 . 50 . 59 . 89 4. Lab Reports (to be turned in - deadline dates as announced) Taxonomy...

Words: 21204 - Pages: 85