Motile Terminal spores Non-aerotolerant C. botulinum Clostridium botulinum produces one of the most potent toxins in existance and cause of the deadly botulism food poisoning. Because Clostridium spores can be airborne, they sometimes find their way into foods that will be placed in anaerobic storage such as cans or jars. Once the jars are sealed, the spores germinate and the bacteria release their potent toxin. Patients will experience muscular paralysis as well as blurred vision. Immmediate treatment with an anti-toxin must take place for the patient to have a chance at survival.
Infantile botulism is acquired in a similar manner but is much milder than the adult version.
Honey, however, is the most common source of the spores which germinate in the child's intestinal tract. Bacterial proliferation and subsequent toxin production cause symptoms which last a few days and then subside without the use of an antitoxin. This non-motile bacterium is an invasive pathogen that can be contracted from dirt via large cuts are wounds. C. perfringens cells proliferate after spore germination occurs and they release their exotoxin. The bacteria themselves produce gas which leads to a bubbly deformation of the infected tissues.