HistoryClostridium botulinum has a rich history dating back to the 19th century in Europe where it first contaminated sausages, causing outbreaks of foodborne botulism. (1-3) In fact, the term botulism is derived from the Latin term botulus, which means sausage. (1,3) Microbiologist Emile Pierre Marie van Ermengem first described the etiological agent in 1897 (1-3) after the isolation of the anaerobic bacillus from ham and spleen tissue obtained during autopsy. (2,3) Although first called Bacillus botulinus, it was eventually renamed Clostridium botulinum to distinguish it from the aerobic spore-forming genus Bacillus. (2) It is important to note that the presence of a toxin was noted at this time, as cell-free extracts were capable of causing disease. (1,2) In 1943 and 1976, wound botulism and infant botulism were also described, respectively. (1) Description of the organism The bacterium Clostridium botulinum is a strict anaerobic Gram-positive bacillus. (1,2,4) A remarkable feature is the ability to form tough subterminal endospores. (1,4) The species is classified into four different groups, based on physiological, metabolic, and genetic characteristics. (2) Group I strains are proteolytic in culture, produce type A/B/F toxins and form thermostable endospores. (1-3) Group II strains are non-proteolytic in culture, produce type B/E/F toxins and are psychrotrophic. (1-3) Finally, group III strains produce type C and D toxins; Group IV strains produce only type G toxin. (1,2) Regardless of the group, C. botulinum is not part of the normal gastrointestinal flora; it is acquired exogenously. (2,4) Botulinum toxin serotypes A and B have been approved for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. (1,4) Medical treatment for conditions such as strabismus (...... middle of paper ......o public health. Militarization involves aerosolization of the toxin into particles between 1 and 5 µm in diameter (4), which facilitates inhalation of the toxin and access to the lower respiratory tract (1,4) Once the toxin has passed through the pulmonary alveolar epithelium, it gains access to the bloodstream and the nervous system, causing. symptoms similar to foodborne botulism (1) There has been no major success in this area because exposure of the toxin to heat, acid and ultraviolet light during deployment of weapons is likely to degrade its activity (4) Bioterrorism can also involve the contamination of food or drinks within a community, resulting in foodborne botulism (1) Conclusion Clostridium botulinum is an anaerobic bacillus. clinical importance, although relatively rare, physicians should be aware of its presence and adverse symptoms..