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The Botulinum toxin, also cosmetically referred to as Botox, is a biotoxin that works by paralyzing muscles in the body (there are many variations of this Toxin, Type A or B, for example).
When injected in small amounts, by professionals, in strategically chosen areas of the body (such as the forehead), it paralyzes the surface muscles. This creates an appearance of smoothness/reduced wrinkles.
This same toxin, which can be found in undercooked seafood such as clams, can easily kill you if ingested (the toxin paralyzes esophageal and respiratory muscles, causing difficulty in breathing and very often death).
A small amount of toxin can kill a person - Botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum is unfortunately considered a potential bioweapon, as it is so potent it takes about 75 nanograms to kill a person.
Poisoning someone with Botulinum toxin is against the law and falls under the charge of murder.
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MaxineThe lethal dose of Botulinum toxin for humans is estimated to be about 2 nanograms per kilogram of body weight. For an average adult, this would equate to a dose of around 140 nanograms. Keep in mind that the actual lethal dose can vary depending on factors such as individual sensitivity and health status.
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How much bad food do I have to eat to get food poisoning?
It isn't the bad food that makes you sick but what bacteria is growing in it. It can be Botulinum which makes a toxin that is the most powerful neurotoxin known to date. Only one single molecule of it is needed to stop one neuron working.1 gram of botulinum toxin would be enough to kill 14,000 people (if ingested), 1.25 million people if inhaled, or a staggering 8.3 million people if injected.
Which is the most virulent bacteria?
Clostridium Botulinum - This is the most dangerous of all the bacteria. About 200 grams of the toxin would be enough to kill the entire population of the world.It grows where there is no oxygen and a low quantity of acid and can be found on badly canned food. In such conditions the bacteria produce toxin which, if eaten, gives you a food poisoning called botulism. When food is canned, it is heated to temperatures that destroy the bacteria. Botulism is extremely rare, but you should avoid cans which are damaged in any way. The toxin from it can be very fatal.
What is the fastest killing venom?
The inland taipan, also known as the "fierce snake," has the most toxic venom of any snake. Its venom is extremely potent and can kill a human in as little as 45 minutes if left untreated.
How does Clostridium Perfringens attack and spread?
The mechanism for clostridium botulinum is that it prevents vesicle fusion of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, where neurons connect with muscle. Acetylcholine is the molecule responsible for telling your muscle to move and botulism prevents this chemical messenger from leaving the neuron and reaching the muscle. The end results is silence, or paralysis. The tetanus toxin works in a similar way, however it prevents inhibitory chemical messages (glycine and GABA) from reaching the muscle and the end results is hyperactivity, or tetanus. Both result in paralysis.
What is the most toxic substance in the world?
The most toxic substance known to humans is considered to be botulinum toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is extremely potent and can cause paralysis and potentially death if ingested.
