Meaning & Definition of word "Botulism"
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Botulism
/ˈbɒtʃəlɪzəm/
noun:
- 1. A serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, leading to muscle paralysis.
- Example: The outbreak of botulism was traced back to improperly canned goods.
- 2. A rare but potentially fatal illness affecting the nervous system.
- Example: Symptoms of botulism include difficulty swallowing and muscle weakness.
- 3. Foodborne botulism, one of the several forms of the illness, occurs from eating contaminated food.
- Example: Food safety practices are essential to prevent foodborne botulism.
- 4. Infant botulism occurs when infants ingest Clostridium botulinum spores, leading to illness.
- Example: Parents should avoid giving honey to infants under one year old to reduce the risk of infant botulism.
- 5. Wound botulism can occur when the bacteria enter the body through a wound and produce the toxin.
- Example: Health officials cautioned that injecting drugs with contaminated needles can lead to wound botulism.
Etymology
From the Latin 'botulus' meaning 'sausage', referring to the association of botulism with improperly preserved meats.
Common Phrases and Expressions
botulinum toxin:
A neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum responsible for botulism.
botulism prevention:
Methods to avoid the growth of Clostridium botulinum in food, such as proper canning.
infant botulism:
A form of botulism that occurs in infants, typically from ingestion of honey.
Related Words
Clostridium botulinum:
A bacterium that produces the botulinum toxin.
neuropathy:
A disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves.