Question

The bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) that causes botulism is

• A. An obligate aerobe
• B. A facultative anaerobe
• C. An obligate anaerobe
• D. A facultative aerobe

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Clostridium is a genus of gram-positive bacteria. They are obligate anaerobes capable of producing endospores. Individual cells are rod-shaped. Foodbome disease caused by C. botulinum is referred to as botulism (a muscle-paralyzing disease). It is caused by the ingestion of a neurotoxin (botulin) produced by the microorganism in the food. Botulin blocks nerve function leading to respiratory and musculoskeletal paralysis. Symptoms of botulism include weakness, fatigue and dizziness, followed by blurred vision and progressive difficulty in speaking and swallowing. Weakening of the respiratory muscles is also observed and death may occur due to respiratory failure.