botulistoksiinia

Botulism refers to a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin, botulism toxin, is one of the most potent neurotoxins known. It works by blocking nerve signals to muscles, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. There are several types of botulism, including foodborne botulism, which occurs when contaminated food is ingested; infant botulism, where spores are ingested and multiply in the infant's intestines; wound botulism, resulting from infection of a wound with Clostridium botulinum; and iatrogenic botulism, caused by medical or cosmetic administration of botulinum toxin.

In its medical and cosmetic applications, purified botulinum toxin is used therapeutically. When injected in small doses, it can temporarily paralyze specific muscles. This property is utilized to treat various medical conditions characterized by muscle overactivity, such as muscle spasms, strabismus (crossed eyes), and cervical dystonia (a neurological disorder causing severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms). In cosmetic dermatology, it is widely used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing the facial muscles that cause them. The effects are temporary and typically last for several months. While generally safe when administered by trained professionals, potential side effects can include pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, and in rare cases, more widespread muscle weakness or drooping of eyelids.