Monday, April 09, 2007

Clostridium botulinum


Hello, I'm C. botulinum.
I'm Gram Positive and rod shaped.
I make spores.

I live in soil and in foods like cans of beans.
I can live in them for a very long time, even if they get cooked.
I secrete botulin toxin which is carried to your nerves.

I cause botulism.
You muscles get very weak and floppy, especially your respiratory muscles.
You may not be able to see, swallow or even breath.