Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Botulism


Overview

Botulism is poisoning from toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It can be fatal and requires emergency medical care. It can occur in infants, be spread in food, or infect a wound.

Symptoms

Symptoms include difficulty swallowing or speaking, facial weakness, and paralysis.

Treatments

Treatments are an antitoxin injection and breathing assistance.