Botulism is an acute neuroparalytic illness caused by a botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, an anaerobic, gram-positive bacterium. Botulism occurs in four forms: foodborne, wound, infant botulism, and adult intestinal toxemia. Botulinum toxin blocks acetylcholine release in a dose-dependent fashion, resulting in symmetrical, descending, and progressive muscle weakness. Delay in treatment may allow progression of paralysis.
