Question

Botulism, a severe form of food poisoning, is caused by a toxin produced by:

• A. Staphylococcus aureus
• B. Clostridium botulinum
• C. Salmonella botulinum
• D. Escherichia coli

Hint:

Botulism = Botulinum toxin = Clostridium botulinum. Always associate the most potent foodborne neurotoxin with this specific bacterium.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Botulism is a rare but extremely serious illness caused by a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
This bacterium is anaerobic, spore-forming, and can survive in improperly canned or preserved foods where oxygen is absent.
The botulinum toxin blocks nerve function and can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death if not treated quickly.
Let’s review the other options:
- Staphylococcus aureus causes food poisoning too, but not botulism. It produces enterotoxins that lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Salmonella botulinum is not a recognized bacterium — it's an incorrect and fictional name.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) can cause foodborne illnesses, especially enterohemorrhagic strains like E. coli O157:H7, but not botulism.
Therefore, Clostridium botulinum is the correct answer.