“Table Killer” Clostridium botulinum toxin has become the new favorite in the medical beauty industry?

Clostridium botulinum is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that is widely found in soil, river sediments and certain foods. It can produce a substance called botulinum toxin, which is one of the strongest natural toxins known in nature. This common bacterium on the dining table has been widely used in the medical field in recent years and is also known as a "treasure in danger."

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The dangers of Clostridium botulinum

Botulism is one of the most serious consequences of Clostridium botulinum. It usually results from eating contaminated food, such as improperly preserved canned food, pickled food, improperly stored refrigerated food, or honey given to infants.

Botulinum toxin primarily affects the nervous system. Common symptoms include [1]:

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Drooping eyelids and sluggish facial expressions

• Difficulty swallowing

• In severe cases, it may cause respiratory paralysis or even be fatal.

How can botulism poisoning be prevented?[2]

1. Process food correctly:

When making homemade canned food, high temperature and high pressure sterilization should be carried out, and the sterilization conditions must reach above 121°C.

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When pickling food, wash the raw materials thoroughly and avoid storing them in a sealed container for too long.

When making acidic foods, such as kimchi, make sure the pH is below 4.6.

2. Avoid letting babies eat honey: Honey may contain Clostridium botulinum spores. The intestinal barrier of babies is not fully developed, which can easily cause poisoning.

3. Be alert to food spoilage: If you find that the food packaging is swollen or has an odor after opening, it should be discarded immediately.

4. Store food properly: Avoid storing food in low-oxygen or room temperature environments for long periods of time. Refrigerated food should be kept below 4°C, and frozen food should be kept below -18°C.

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The magical effects of botulinum toxin

Although botulinum toxin is extremely dangerous under certain conditions, it is a star in the medical and cosmetic fields.

• Cosmetic uses: Microinjections of botulinum toxin can effectively reduce wrinkles and slim the face, and have been widely used in the field of medical cosmetology.

•Medical use: Botulinum toxin can also treat a variety of diseases, such as muscle spasms, migraines, strabismus, etc. Under the regular operation of professional doctors, botulinum toxin is safe and controllable. However, abuse or improper operation may cause side effects.

Clostridium botulinum testing

The detection methods of Clostridium botulinum mainly include traditional culture method, biological toxicity test, molecular biology method, immunological detection and mass spectrometry analysis, etc. These methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and are often used in combination in practical applications to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the test.

Clostridium botulinum is a dangerous but widely used bacterium. In daily life, we should pay attention to food safety and prevent poisoning; in the field of medicine and cosmetology, its toxin can only be used safely and effectively under the guidance of professional doctors. Understanding the characteristics and functions of Clostridium botulinum can help us better avoid risks and rationally utilize its potential benefits.

References

[1]Sobel, J. Botulism［J］.Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2005,41(8), 1167-1173.

[2]Peck, MW Clostridium botulinum and the safety of minimally heated, Chilled Foods: An Emerging issue?［J］.Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2006,101(3), 556–570.

Source: Chongqing Science Writers Association

Written by: Chief Technician Lai Liuqing and Chief Technician Lai Feng of Jiulongpo District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Deputy Chief Technician Tian Lihong of Jiangjin District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and Chief Technician Zou Jingbo of Zou Teacher Science Garden

Audit expert: Li Hanbin

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