Microbial Form and Function of Clostridium Botulinum - Essay Example

? Despite botulism having a rare natural occurrence, is considered a form of medical emergency, owing to the large number of deaths that occur from it. However, recently researchers have discovered some therapeutic uses of the Botulinum toxin, especially in context of muscular pain disorder treatment and cosmetic therapy. Despite various side effects, the cosmetic use of Botox has gained widespread popularity, owing to the relatively less intrusive and less painful procedures that are adopted for this therapy. However, therapeutic treatment of botulism requires further research work before effective clinical benefits are derived from it. Clostridium botulinum Introduction Clostridium botulinum is a gram positive, anaerobic, spore forming rod bacillus that produces exotoxin (protein), which paralyses the nervous system (Solomon and Lilly 2001). Botulinum spores are found distributed in mud, sewage, soil, marshy sediments in coastal areas and lakes, vegetables, fruits and in intestines of fishes and animals. Under specific condition, this bacterium may also grow in foods creating neurotoxin(s). When these toxin-containing foods are consumed, it results in a medical condition clinically referred to as botulism, which often causes death. The botulinum toxin produced by the Clostridium bacteria is the most poisonous substance found in the world, where 1 gram is potent enough to kill nearly 30 billion mice (Dilbaghi and Sharma 2007: 22). This Briefing Paper will aim to: a) present a brief background on Clostridium botulinum and nature of the toxin produced by it; b) the positive and negative aspects of the toxicity, how this toxicity acts and what is the treatment; c) review the therapeutic use of toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum (Botox) Discussion Background on Clostridium botulinum Clostridium botulinum is widely present in soil, and grows best under conditions where there is low oxygen. They can produce spores, which helps them to remain dormant until favourable conditions are available that support their growth. Clostridium botulinum is “sensitive to low pH ( Read More