Clostridium botulinum is a pathogenic bacterium that causes food poisoning. The mechanism of food poisoning is due to which of the following processes?

Introduction:
Food poisoning caused by Clostridium botulinum is a life-threatening condition. It is vital to understand whether the disease is due to bacterial invasion or toxin ingestion. This question evaluates your understanding of the mechanism of botulism.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Clostridium botulinum produces one of the most potent neurotoxins known.
• The toxin can survive improper food preservation.
• Illness results from ingestion of toxin rather than bacterial colonization in adults.

Concept / Approach:
Unlike infections where the bacterium colonizes and damages tissues, botulism is an intoxication. Preformed toxin is ingested, absorbed into the bloodstream, and affects the nervous system by blocking acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions. This leads to flaccid paralysis.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the agent – Clostridium botulinum. Step 2: Recall the mechanism – ingestion of toxin in improperly canned or preserved food. Step 3: Note that the bacteria itself does not colonize the intestine in adults. Step 4: Conclude that food poisoning is due to preformed toxin.

Verification / Alternative check:
Infant botulism is the only scenario where spores germinate in the gut. In adults, botulism always results from preformed toxin ingestion, confirming the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Invasion of bacteria in the intestine – does not occur in adults.
Both invasion and toxin – only toxin is relevant in typical food poisoning.
None of the above – incorrect as preformed toxin is the cause.
Contamination with spores – spores alone are not harmful unless they germinate in infants.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse infant botulism with adult foodborne botulism. Always distinguish intoxication (toxin ingestion) from infection (bacterial invasion).

Final Answer:
Clostridium botulinum food poisoning is due to consumption of preformed toxin in food.