Clostridium botulinum

Template:Short description Template:Cs1 config Template:Speciesbox Clostridium botulinum is a gram-positive,<ref name = "Tiwari_2021">Template:Cite book</ref> rod-shaped, anaerobic, spore-forming, motile bacterium with the ability to produce botulinum toxin, which is a neurotoxin.<ref name="pmid19573697">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="Lindström">Template:Cite journal</ref>

C. botulinum is a diverse group of pathogenic bacteria. Initially, they were grouped together by their ability to produce botulinum toxin and are now known as four distinct groups, C. botulinum groups I–IV. Along with some strains of Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii, these bacteria all produce the toxin.<ref name="pmid19573697"/>

Botulinum toxin can cause botulism, a severe flaccid paralytic disease in humans and other animals,<ref name="Lindström" /> and is the most potent toxin known to science, natural or synthetic, with a lethal dose of 1.3–2.1 ng/kg in humans.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="SherrisCh19">(2010). Chapter 19. Clostridium, Peptostreptococcus, Bacteroides, and Other Anaerobes. In Ryan K.J., Ray C (Eds), Sherris Medical Microbiology, 5th ed. Template:ISBN</ref>

C. botulinum is commonly associated with bulging canned food; bulging, misshapen cans can be due to an internal increase in pressure caused by gas produced by bacteria.<ref name="IFAS">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

C. botulinum is responsible for foodborne botulism (ingestion of preformed toxin), infant botulism (intestinal infection with toxin-forming C. botulinum), and wound botulism (infection of a wound with C. botulinum). C. botulinum produces heat-resistant endospores that are commonly found in soil and are able to survive under adverse conditions.<ref name="pmid19573697"/>

Microbiology

C. botulinum is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium.<ref name = "Tiwari_2021" /> It is an obligate anaerobe, requiring an environment that lacks oxygen. However, C. botulinum tolerates traces of oxygen due to the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is an important antioxidant defense in nearly all cells exposed to oxygen.<ref name="Brock">Template:Cite book</ref> C. botulinum is able to produce the neurotoxin only during sporulation, which can happen only in an anaerobic environment.

C. botulinum is divided into four distinct phenotypic groups (I-IV) and is also classified into seven serotypes (A–G) based on the antigenicity of the botulinum toxin produced.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> On the level visible to DNA sequences, the phenotypic grouping matches the results of whole-genome and rRNA analyses,<ref name="ScienceDirect 2003 pp. 1407"/><ref name=Dobritsa18/> and setotype grouping approximates the result of analyses focused specifically on the toxin sequence. The two phylogenetic trees do not match because of the ability of the toxin gene cluster to be horizontally transferred.<ref name=Hill>Template:Cite book</ref>

Serotypes

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) production is the unifying feature of the species. Seven serotypes of toxins have been identified that are allocated a letter (A–G), several of which can cause disease in humans. They are resistant to degradation by enzymes found in the gastrointestinal tract. This allows for ingested toxins to be absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream.<ref name="SherrisCh19"/> Toxins can be further differentiated into subtypes on the bases of smaller variations.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> However, all types of botulinum toxin are rapidly destroyed by heating to 100 °C for 15 minutes (900 seconds). 80 °C for 30 minutes also destroys BoNT.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Most strains produce one type of BoNT, but strains producing multiple toxins have been described. C. botulinum producing B and F toxin types have been isolated from human botulism cases in New Mexico and California.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The toxin type has been designated Bf as the type B toxin was found in excess to the type F. Similarly, strains producing Ab and Af toxins have been reported.<ref name="Hill" />

Evidence indicates the neurotoxin genes have been the subject of horizontal gene transfer, possibly from a viral (bacteriophage) source. This theory is supported by the presence of integration sites flanking the toxin in some strains of C. botulinum. However, these integrations sites are degraded (except for the C and D types), indicating that the C. botulinum acquired the toxin genes quite far in the evolutionary past. Nevertheless, further transfers still happen via the plasmids and other mobile elements the genes are located on.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Toxin types in disease

Only botulinum toxin types A, B, E, F and H (FA) cause disease in humans. Types A, B, and E are associated with food-borne illness, while type E is specifically associated with fish products. Type C produces limber-neck in birds and type D causes botulism in other mammals.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> No disease is associated with type G.<ref>(2013). Chapter 11. Spore-Forming Gram-Positive Bacilli: Bacillus and Clostridium Species. In Brooks G.F., Carroll K.C., Butel J.S., Morse S.A., Mietzner T.A. (Eds), Jawetz, Melnick, & Adelberg's Medical Microbiology, 26th ed. Template:ISBN</ref> The "gold standard" for determining toxin type is a mouse bioassay, but the genes for types A, B, E, and F can now be readily differentiated using quantitative PCR.<ref name="Satterfield, B. A. 2010">Template:Cite journal</ref> Type "H" is in fact a recombinant toxin from types A and F. It can be neutralized by type A antitoxin and no longer is considered a distinct type.<ref name="pmid26068781">Template:Cite journal</ref>

A few strains from organisms genetically identified as other Clostridium species have caused human botulism: C. butyricum has produced type E toxin<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> and C. baratii had produced type F toxin.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The ability of C. botulinum to naturally transfer neurotoxin genes to other clostridia is concerning, especially in the food industry, where preservation systems are designed to destroy or inhibit only C. botulinum but not other Clostridium species.<ref name="Hill" />

Metabolism

Many C. botulinum genes play a role in the breakdown of essential carbohydrates and the metabolism of sugars. Chitin is the preferred source of carbon and nitrogen for C. botulinum.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite journal</ref> Hall A strain of C. botulinum has an active chitinolytic system to aid in the breakdown of chitin.<ref name=":3" /> Type A and B of C. botulinum production of BoNT is affected by nitrogen and carbon nutrition.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> There is evidence that these processes are also under catabolite repression.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Groups

Physiological differences and genome sequencing at 16S rRNA level support the subdivision of the C. botulinum species into groups I-IV.<ref name="ScienceDirect 2003 pp. 1407">Template:Cite book</ref> Some authors have briefly used groups V and VI, corresponding to toxin-producing C. baratii and C. butyricum. What used to be group IV is now C. argentinense.<ref name=Smith18/>

Phenotypic groups of toxin-producing Clostridium<ref name=Dobritsa18/><ref name=Smith18/>

Property	Group I	Group II	Group III	C. argentinense	C. baratii	C. butyricum
Proteolysis (casein)	Template:Yes	Template:No	Template:No	Template:Yes	Template:No	Template:No
Saccharolysis	Template:No	Template:Yes	Template:No	Template:No
Lipase	Template:Yes	Template:Yes	Template:Yes	Template:No	Template:No	Template:No
Toxin Types	A, B, F	B, E, F	C, D	G	F	E
Toxin gene	chromosome/plasmid	chromosome/plasmid	bacteriophage	plasmid	chromosome<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>	chromosome<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Close relatives		C. beijerinckii C. butyricum	C. novyi type A C. haemolyticum	N/A (already a species)

Although group II cannot degrade native protein such as casein, coagulated egg white, and cooked meat particles, it is able to degrade gelatin.<ref name="Carter Peck 1957 p."/>

Human botulism is predominantly caused by group I or II C. botulinum.<ref name="Carter Peck 1957 p.">Template:Cite journal</ref> Group III organisms mainly cause diseases in non-human animals.<ref name="Carter Peck 1957 p."/>

Laboratory isolation

In the laboratory, C. botulinum is usually isolated in tryptose sulfite cycloserine (TSC) growth medium in an anaerobic environment with less than 2% oxygen. This can be achieved by several commercial kits that use a chemical reaction to replace O₂ with CO₂. C. botulinum (groups I through III) is a lipase-positive microorganism that grows between pH of 4.8 and 7.0 and cannot use lactose as a primary carbon source, characteristics important for biochemical identification.<ref name="Doyle">Template:Cite book</ref>

Transmission and sporulation

The exact mechanism behind sporulation of C. botulinum is not known. Different strains of C. botulinum can be divided into three different groups, group I, II, and III, based on environmental conditions like heat resistance, temperature, and biome.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite journal></ref> Within each group, different strains will use different strategies to adapt to their environment to survive.<ref name=":0" /> Unlike other clostridial species, C. botulinum spores will sporulate as it enters the stationary phase.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite journal</ref> C. botulinum relies on quorum-sensing to initiate the sporulation process.<ref name=":1" /> C. botulinum spores are not found in human feces unless the individual has contracted botulism,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> but C. botulinum cannot spread from person to person.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Motility structures

The most common motility structure for C. botulinum is a flagellum. Though this structure is not found in all strains of C. botulinum, most produce peritrichous flagella.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite journal</ref> When comparing the different strains, there is also differences in the length of the flagella and how many are present on the cell.<ref name=":4" />

Growth conditions and prevention

C. botulinum is a soil bacterium. The spores can survive in most environments and are very hard to kill. They can survive the temperature of boiling water at sea level, thus many foods are canned with a pressurized boil that achieves even higher temperatures, sufficient to kill the spores.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This bacteria is widely distributed in nature and can be assumed to be present on all food surfaces. Its optimum growth temperature is within the mesophilic range. In spore form, it is a heat resistant pathogen that can survive in low acid foods and grow to produce toxins. The toxin attacks the nervous system and will kill an adult at a dose of around 75 ng.<ref name="Fleming Biological Safety">Template:Cite book</ref> Botulinum toxin can be destroyed by holding food at 100 °C for 10 minutes; however, because of its potency, this is not recommended by the USA's FDA as a means of control.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Botulism poisoning can occur due to preserved or home-canned, low-acid food that was not processed using correct preservation times and/or pressure.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Growth of the bacterium can be prevented by high acidity, high ratio of dissolved sugar, high levels of oxygen, very low levels of moisture, or storage at temperatures below 3 °C (38 °F) for type A. For example, in a low-acid, canned vegetable such as green beans that are not heated enough to kill the spores (i.e., a pressurized environment) may provide an oxygen-free medium for the spores to grow and produce the toxin. However, pickles are sufficiently acidic to prevent growth;<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> even if the spores are present, they pose no danger to the consumer.

Honey, corn syrup, and other sweeteners may contain spores, but the spores cannot grow in a highly concentrated sugar solution; however, when a sweetener is diluted in the low-oxygen, low-acid digestive system of an infant, the spores can grow and produce toxin. As soon as infants begin eating solid food, the digestive juices become too acidic for the bacterium to grow.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The control of food-borne botulism caused by C. botulinum is based almost entirely on thermal destruction (heating) of the spores or inhibiting spore germination into bacteria and allowing cells to grow and produce toxins in foods. Conditions conducive of growth are dependent on various environmental factors. Growth of C. botulinum is a risk in low acid foods as defined by having a pH above 4.6<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> although growth is significantly retarded for pH below 4.9.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Taxonomic history

Template:Infobox genome C. botulinum was first recognized and isolated in 1895 by Emile van Ermengem from home-cured ham implicated in a botulism outbreak.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The isolate was originally named Bacillus botulinus, after the Latin word for sausage, botulus. ("Sausage poisoning" was a common problem in 18th- and 19th-century Germany, and was most likely caused by botulism.)<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> However, isolates from subsequent outbreaks were always found to be anaerobic spore formers, so Ida A. Bengtson proposed that both be placed into the genus Clostridium, as the genus Bacillus was restricted to aerobic spore-forming rods.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Since 1959, all species producing the botulinum neurotoxins (types A–G) have been designated C. botulinum. Substantial phenotypic and genotypic evidence exists to demonstrate heterogeneity within the species, with at least four clearly-defined "groups" (see Template:Section link) straddling other species, implying that they each deserve to be a genospecies.<ref name=Uzal>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=Smith18>Template:Cite journal</ref>

The situation as of 2018 is as follows:<ref name=Smith18/>

• C. botulinum type G (= group IV) strains are since 1988 their own species, C. argentinense.<ref name=argentinense>Template:Cite journal</ref>
• Group I C. botulinum strains that do not produce a botulin toxin are referred to as C. sporogenes. Both names are conserved names since 1999.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Group I also contains C. combesii.<ref name="LPSN.combesii">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• All other botulinum toxin-producing bacteria, not otherwise classified as C. baratii or C. butyricum,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> is called C. botulinum. This group still contains three genogroups.<ref name=Smith18/>

Smith et al. (2018) argues that group I should be called C. parabotulinum and group III be called C. novyi sensu lato, leaving only group II in C. botulinum. This argument is not accepted by the LPSN and would cause an unjustified change of the type strain under the Prokaryotic Code. (The current type strain ATCC 25763 falls into group I.)<ref name=Smith18/> Dobritsa et al. (2018) argues, without formal descriptions, that group II can potentially be made into two new species.<ref name=Dobritsa18>Template:Cite journal</ref>

The complete genome of C. botulinum ATCC 3502 has been sequenced at Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in 2007. This strain encodes a type "A" toxin.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Diagnosis

Physicians may consider the diagnosis of botulism based on a patient's clinical presentation, which classically includes an acute onset of bilateral cranial neuropathies and symmetric descending weakness.<ref name="pmid9585323">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Other key features of botulism include an absence of fever, symmetric neurologic deficits, normal or slow heart rate and normal blood pressure, and no sensory deficits except for blurred vision.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> A careful history and physical examination is paramount to diagnose the type of botulism, as well as to rule out other conditions with similar findings, such as Guillain–Barré syndrome, stroke, and myasthenia gravis.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Depending on the type of botulism considered, different tests for diagnosis may be indicated.

• Foodborne botulism: serum analysis for toxins by bioassay in mice should be done, as the demonstration of the toxins is diagnostic.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
• Wound botulism: isolation of C. botulinum from the wound site should be attempted, as growth of the bacteria is diagnostic.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
• Adult enteric and infant botulism: isolation and growth of C. botulinum from stool samples is diagnostic.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Infant botulism is a diagnosis which is often missed in the emergency room.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite journal</ref>

Other tests that may be helpful in ruling out other conditions are:

• Electromyography (EMG) or antibody studies may help with the exclusion of myasthenia gravis and Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS).<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
• Collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and blood assist with the exclusion of Guillan-Barre syndrome and stroke.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
• Detailed physical examination of the patient for any rash or tick presence helps with the exclusion of any tick transmitted tick paralysis.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Pathology

Foodborne botulism

Signs and symptoms of foodborne botulism typically begin between 18 and 36 hours after the toxin gets into your body, but can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the amount of toxin ingested. Symptoms include:<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="mayosymptoms">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Double vision
• Blurred vision
• Ptosis
• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps
• Slurred speech
• Trouble breathing
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Dry mouth
• Muscle weakness
• Constipation
• Reduced or absent deep tendon reactions, such as in the knee

Wound botulism

Most people who develop wound botulism inject drugs several times a day, so determining a timeline of when onset symptoms first occurred and when the toxin entered the body can be difficult. It is more common in people who inject black tar heroin.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Wound botulism signs and symptoms include:<ref name="mayosymptoms" /><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Facial weakness on both sides of the face
• Blurred or double vision
• Ptosis
• Trouble breathing
• Paralysis

Infant botulism

If infant botulism is related to food, such as honey, problems generally begin within 18 to 36 hours after the toxin enters the baby's body. Signs and symptoms include:<ref name=":2" /><ref name="mayosymptoms" />

• Constipation (often the first sign)
• Floppy movements due to muscle weakness and trouble controlling the head
• Weak cry
• Irritability
• Drooling
• Ptosis
• Tiredness
• Difficulty sucking or feeding
• Paralysis<ref name="mayosymptoms" />

Beneficial effects of botulinum toxin

Purified botulinum toxin is diluted by a physician for treatment of:<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

• Congenital pelvic tilt
• Spasmodic dysphasia (the inability of the muscles of the larynx)
• Achalasia (esophageal stricture)
• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Paralysis of the facial muscles
• Failure of the cervix
• Blinking frequently
• Anti-cancer drug delivery<ref name="Arnon SS 2001">Template:Cite journal</ref>

Adult intestinal toxemia

A very rare form of botulism that occurs by the same route as infant botulism but is among adults. Occurs rarely and sporadically. Signs and symptoms include:<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

• Abdominal pain
• Blurred vision
• Diarrhea
• Dysarthria
• Imbalance
• Weakness in arms and hand area<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Treatment

In the case of a diagnosis or suspicion of botulism, patients should be hospitalized immediately, even if the diagnosis and/or tests are pending. Additionally if botulism is suspected, patients should be treated immediately with antitoxin therapy in order to reduce mortality. Immediate intubation is also highly recommended, as respiratory failure is the primary cause of death from botulism.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

In North America, an equine-derived heptavalent botulinum antitoxin is used to treat all serotypes of non-infant naturally occurring botulism. For infants less than one year of age, botulism immune globulin is used to treat type A or type B.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Outcomes vary between one and three months, but with prompt interventions, mortality from botulism ranges from less than 5 percent to 8 percent.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Vaccination

There used to be a formalin-treated toxoid vaccine against botulism (serotypes A-E), but it was discontinued in 2011 due to declining potency in the toxoid stock. It was originally intended for people at risk of exposure. A few new vaccines are under development.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Use and detection

C. botulinum is used to prepare the medicaments Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Neurobloc used to selectively paralyze muscles to temporarily relieve muscle function. It has other "off-label" medical purposes, such as treating severe facial pain, such as that caused by trigeminal neuralgia.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Botulinum toxin produced by C. botulinum is often believed to be a potential bioweapon as it is so potent that it takes about 75 nanograms to kill a person (Template:LD50 of 1 ng/kg,<ref name="Fleming Biological Safety" /> assuming an average person weighs ~75 kg); 1 kilogram of it would be enough to kill the entire human population.

A "mouse protection" or "mouse bioassay" test determines the type of C. botulinum toxin present using monoclonal antibodies. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with digoxigenin-labeled antibodies can also be used to detect the toxin,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> and quantitative PCR can detect the toxin genes in the organism.<ref name="Satterfield, B. A. 2010" />

C. botulinum in different geographical locations

A number of quantitative surveys for C. botulinum spores in the environment have suggested a prevalence of specific toxin types in given geographic areas, which remain unexplained.

Location
North America	Type A C. botulinum predominates the soil samples from the western regions, while type B is the major type found in eastern areas.<ref name="Hauschild_1989">Template:Cite book</ref> The type-B organisms were of the proteolytic Group I. Sediments from the Great Lakes region were surveyed after outbreaks of botulism among commercially reared fish, and only type E spores were detected.<ref name="pmid4870273">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> In a survey, type-A strains were isolated from soils that were neutral to alkaline(average pH 7.5), while type-B strains were isolated from slightly acidic soils (average pH 6.23).
Europe	C. botulinum type E is prevalent in aquatic sediments in Norway and Sweden,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Denmark,<ref name="pmid6990867">Template:Cite journal</ref> the Netherlands, the Baltic coast of Poland, and Russia.<ref name="Hauschild_1989"/> The type-E C. botulinum was suggested to be a true aquatic organism, which was indicated by the correlation between the level of type-E contamination and flooding of the land with seawater. As the land dried, the level of type E decreased and type B became dominant.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> In soil and sediment from the United Kingdom, C. botulinum type B predominates. In general, the incidence is usually lower in soil than in sediment. In Italy, a survey conducted in the vicinity of Rome found a low level of contamination; all strains were proteolytic (Group I) C. botulinum types A or B.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Australia	C. botulinum type A was found to be present in soil samples from mountain areas of Victoria.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Type-B organisms were detected in marine mud from Tasmania.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Type-A C. botulinum has been found in Sydney suburbs and types A and B were isolated from urban areas. In a well-defined area of the Darling-Downs region of Queensland, a study showed the prevalence and persistence of C. botulinum type B after many cases of botulism in horses.

Further reading

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