2007-11-24 16:32:11 · 4 answers · asked by megank897 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
The toxins produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria get into the bloodstream and collect in the nerves that service the muscles. They block the release of acetylcholine, triggering the characteristic weakness and paralysis. They are spore forming bacteria that are very hard to kill.
Unfortunately, sometimes if you kill the bacteria (antibiotics) you release even more toxin, so you need to either avoid them in the first place or get rid of them mechanically.
Physicians may try to remove contaminated food still in the gut by inducing vomiting or by using enemas. Wounds should be treated, usually surgically, to remove the source of the toxin-producing bacteria. Good supportive care in a hospital is the mainstay of therapy for all forms of botulism.
2007-11-24 17:18:07 · answer #1 · answered by Menthoids 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Antibiotics aren't used because it's the neurotoxin produced by the bacteria that attacks the nervous system, not the bacteria itself. It's the neurotoxin that must be addressed first and foremost.
An antitoxin is used in an injectable form to prevent neurotoxins still in circulating blood from causing more damage. This is how food-bourne botulism is treated. Wound botulism is usually treated with antioxin as well as surgically with debridement of the infected tissue. Infant botulism is treated with immune globulins. After this, supportive care. This isn't an easy fix and can take several months.
2007-11-24 17:45:42 · answer #2 · answered by TweetyBird 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Why aren't antibiotics used to treat botulism?
2015-08-19 08:02:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Botulism "Poisoning" is not an infection but a poisoning caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum. Thus, antibiotics will not be helpful.
Best wishes.
2007-11-24 16:44:13 · answer #4 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good question. I think it has something to do with botulism being caused by an anaerobic bacterium, meaning that it thrives in an environment with no oxygen.
2007-11-24 16:45:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 5⤋
antibiotics are used to treat a bacterial infection...botulism is more than likely a virus and wouldn't be able to be treated with antibiotics.
2007-11-24 16:35:34 · answer #6 · answered by Kathy 5 · 0⤊ 7⤋
I wish to ask the same question as the previous person.
2016-08-26 08:01:42 · answer #7 · answered by lucrecia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋