Botulism caused by Clostridium botulinum affects

Options

A. lymph glands
B. intestine
C. neuromuscular junction
D. spleen

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Pathogen**: The question mentions "Clostridium botulinum," which is a type of bacteria known to cause botulism.

2. **Understand the Nature of the Bacteria**: Clostridium botulinum is a rod-shaped, anaerobic bacterium. Anaerobic means it can survive without oxygen, and it is commonly found in soil.

3. **Mechanism of Disease**: This bacterium produces a potent toxin called botulinum toxin. This toxin is responsible for the symptoms of botulism.

4. **Effect of the Toxin**: The botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction. This blockage prevents muscle contraction and can lead to paralysis.

5. **Identify the Affected Area**: Since the toxin affects the neuromuscular junction by inhibiting acetylcholine release, the correct answer to the question is that botulism affects the **neuromuscular junctions**.

6. **Eliminate Incorrect Options**:
- Lymph glands: Not affected by botulinum toxin.
- Intestine: While the bacteria can be ingested, the primary effect is not on the intestine but rather on the neuromuscular junction.
- Spleen: Not affected by botulinum toxin.

7. **Final Answer**: The correct answer is **neuromuscular junctions**.