Botulism Facts

Botulism is a very serious type of illness that causes paralysis of muscles. This syndrome is generally caused by neurotoxin that is produced by the bacteria. These are the most common bacteria that lead to paralysis in humans. Botulism is not contagious and hence is not transmitted from person to person. It occurs when the toxins are ingested in a person’s body. This organism generally grows in intestine and wounds the body by generating toxins. There are three types of botulisms, Food-borne, Wound and infant botulism. The first one is associated with adult intestinal colonization, the second one is generally observed in patients injected with inappropriately increased amounts of therapeutic neurotoxins, whereas the third one is observed in infants that inhale or consume spores of botulinum.

Focusing on the symptoms of Botulism, the generally observed one’s include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty in swallowing, slurred speech, dry mouth, constipation and muscle weakness. When it comes to infants, botulism can appear lethargic, weak and floppy, weak cry, poor muscle tone, constipation, poor feed etc. there are also some symptoms that are highly associated with muscle paralysis, if these symptoms are not diagnosed or treated properly, they may lead to paralysis in various parts of the body. Complications in botulism can result in death due to respiratory failure. But in the recent years, medications and treatments have been invented that work best in making people suffering from botulism survive. Patients who survive from the severe occurrence of botulism poisoning may experience shortness of breath and fatigue for years, they may require a long term medical therapy for complete recovery.

Unrevealed facts of Bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infection of the fluids that surrounds spinal cord and brain. It is basically caused by one of three types of bacteria including Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. These bacteria spread when they come on close contact with the fluids discharged from nose or throat of an infected person. It is a syndrome that can be treated by antibiotics. Focusing on the preventative measures, include vaccines, rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Meningitis is generally caused by an infection due to virus and bacteria. The common symptoms include high fever, headache and stiff neck. These are the preliminary symptoms that can develop over several hours. The severe one’s include nausea, light sensitivity, vomiting, confusion and sleepiness.

In new borns and infants, the symptoms can be typical like high fever, headache and stiff neck, in many cases these symptoms are difficult to diagnose. However, determining the risk factors, bacterial meningitis is the most common in children. Treating this bacteria disease, is not a severe thing. Just early diagnosis and accordingly commencing the treatment is required. Bacterial meningitis can be treated with numerous effective antibiotics, it is very important to start the treatment early.