Botulism is caused by ingestion of a proteinaceous exotoxin; therefore, it can easily be prevented by
A) filtering food.
B) administering antibiotics to patients.
C) not eating canned food.
D) boiling food prior to consumption.
E) preventing fecal contamination of food.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Botulism is caused by ingestion of the botulinum toxin, which is a proteinaceous exotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Boiling food prior to consumption can destroy the toxin and prevent botulism. Filtering food, administering antibiotics, not eating canned food, and preventing fecal contamination of food do not necessarily prevent the ingestion of the botulinum toxin.

Botulism Is Caused by Ingestion of a Proteinaceous Exotoxin; Therefore