Question

Botulism differs from tetanus in that A. botulism causes flaccid paralysis and tetanus causes spastic paralysis. B. tetanus is a food-borne disease and botulism is airborne. C. botulism is due to an exotoxin and tetanus is due to an endotoxin. D. botulism toxin acts directly on muscle cells E. two of the above are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. botulism causes flaccid paralysis and tetanus causes spastic paralysis.

Explanation:

Botulinum toxins are neurotoxic, which means they affect the nervous system. Botulism is characterized by descending flaccid paralysis that can lead to respiratory failure.

Answer 2

Answer:

A

Explanation:

Botulism and tetanus are both serious neurological infectious diseases in humans as well as animals. Botulism is caused by clostridium botulinum while tetanus is caused by clostridium tetani. Both organisms produce neurotoxins that act on nerves and eventually on muscles to cause respiratory failure.

The major difference between botulism and tetanus is that, in botulism, there is a characteristic descending flaccid paralysis. Signs and symptoms include; facial weakness, difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, drooling, shortness of breath and eventually respiratory paralysis.

Tetanus is characterized by spastic paralysis. Symptoms include; painful muscle contractions, fever, difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing, and respiratory paralysis.