Symptoms of C. botulinum food poisoning include double vision, inability to speak, and respiratory paralysis. These symptoms are consistent with: (A) Invasion of the gut epithelium by C. botulinum, (B) Secretion of an enterotoxin, (C) Endotoxin shock, (D) Ingestion of a neurotoxin
Answer is A. Clostridium botulinum growing in food produces a potent neurotoxin that causes diplopia, dysphagia, respiratory paralysis, and speech difficulties when ingested by humans. The toxin is thought to act by blocking the action of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions. Botulism is associated with high mortality; fortunately, C. botulinum infection in humans is rare.