This organism is commonly passed to humans via unpasteurized milk or milk products such as cheese. In 1985 there was an outbreak in California involving 86 cases and 29 deaths caused by Mexican-style soft cheese. The organism comes in through the gastrointestinal tract but quickly invades the bloodstream and may cause meningitis. Clostridium botulinum This organism, a strict anaerobe, can produce a very powerful neurotoxin which blocks the synapses of the motor neurons. The most common vehicle is improperly canned foods - since this organism is a endospore former it may survive if canning temperatures are inadequate.
Infants present with constipation and they are listless and weak.