A Toxin Released by the Anaerobic Bacterium Clostridium Botulinum Causes

question 173

Multiple Choice

A toxin released by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum causes the food-borne illness known as botulism, which inhibits the release of ACh at the neuromuscular junction. What effect does this have on the person?

• A) It causes flaccid paralysis, and if it affects the respiratory muscles, can result in death.
• B) It disrupts the balance between ACh and acetylcholinesterase, leading to spastic contractions.
• C) The brain compensates by producing more ACh, limiting the illness to only a few hours.
• D) The jaws are most affected, and it results in "lockjaw."
• E) Problems only result when the individual has low immunity.