Botulism Transmission: An Overview
Botulism transmission varies based on the type of botulism
(see Botulism Types). Unlike infectious diseases, however, botulism transmission does not occur from one person to another.
Foodborne Botulism Transmission
Foodborne botulism transmission occurs through eating foods contaminated with botulinum spores that grow into bacteria and produce botulism toxins in the food. A common cause of
botulism food poisoning is improperly preserved home-processed foods with low acid content, such as:
Less likely sources include fish products and other commercially processed foods. The actual number of cases of botulism in the United States is small -- approximately 9 outbreaks of foodborne botulism per year, with an average of 2.4 cases per outbreak.
Wound Botulism Transmission
Wound botulism transmission occurs when bacteria that cause botulism (Clostridium botulinum) contaminate a wound, germinate, grow within the wound, and produce toxin that is absorbed into the bloodstream. Wound botulism is associated with crushing injuries and illicit drug use. The increasing number of people who inject black tar heroin from Mexico is a growing concern, because this crude drug can contain Clostridium botulinum spores.
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