Clostridium botulinum

Clostridium botulinum is the bacterium responsible for botulism, a fortunately rare but very serious disease that directly affects the nervous system ! This bacterium produces one of the most powerful toxins in the world : a single nanogram (a billion times smaller than a gram!) is enough to be fatal for a human.

Unlike its cousin C. tetani, which causes muscle contractions, C. botulinum blocks nerve signals and causes muscle relaxation, which can lead to respiratory paralysis. Here, it is not the bacteria itself that kills: it is its toxin, which makes botulism a poisoning rather than an infection.

C. botulinum is found in water, soil and especially in poorly preserved food. Its presence is feared in swollen cans : a real alarm signal! Like its cousins of the genus Clostridium, it also produces ultra-resistant spores, capable of surviving for a long time.

The good news? Thanks to strict food safety measures, the bacteria is now rarely encountered .

FUN FACT : In very small quantities, C. botulinum toxin is used in medicine and aesthetics ! It relaxes muscles and makes wrinkles disappear... it's the famous Botox ! Who would have thought that such a dangerous poison could also smooth foreheads?

And if you want to add this cult bacteria to your collection without any risk: quickly adopt the Clostridium botulinum sticker ! 100% safe… and incredibly stylish 🦠✨

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PUN: I'm a Botuli-bomb about to explode!