Clostridium botulinum

Description and Significance

Clostridum botulinum are Gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria. It falls in the family of gram-positive bacilli. This bacteria produce a neurotoxin which could lead to paralysis. Clostridum botulinum" are based on seven different types falling from A through G and further categorized into four distinct groups. Out of the four groups, group one and two tend to have the highest occurence rate. Group one lives in an ideal temperature of 37 degress Celsius and once the temperature becomes hotter spores begin to form. Group two grow optimally in a lower temperature around 30 degrees Celsius and grows spores once the temperature drops. Group three is usually found amongst animals excluding humans. Group four of Clostridium botulinum are being re-evaluated to see if they truly cause any type of disease. Both group three and four have favorable conditions at 40 degrees celsius. This bacteria,Cl. botulinum is an obligate anaerobic bacteria, that produces endospores, and releases a superoxide dismutase which allows the bacteria to survive in unfavorable conditions. Cl. botulinum is normally grown in soil and water enviornments.