Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Botulism in Adults and Children
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal disorder. It is caused by a toxin, or poison, produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.
What is going on in the body?
Botulinum toxins are among the most powerful poisons known. There are three forms of botulism:
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Botulism is caused by a toxin made by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Foodborne botulism in adults and children is acquired by eating improperly preserved or stored food that contains the toxin. Home canned food is a major source of foodborne botulism.
Infant botulism can be caused by eating honey, which may contain botulism spores. It can also be caused by eating food containing the toxin.
Wound botulism occurs when the bacteria enter a wound, grow, and produce the toxin. Black-tar heroin injections are a prime source of wound botulism.