Botulism is due to contamination of food with

Options

A. E. coli
B. Salmonella
C. Clostridium
D. Pseudomonas.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Botulism**: Botulism is a serious illness often referred to as food poisoning. It is characterized by symptoms such as weakness, blurred vision, fatigue, and trouble speaking.

2. **Identifying the Causative Agent**: The disease is caused by a toxin produced by a specific bacterium. The bacterium responsible for botulism is known as Clostridium botulinum.

3. **Characteristics of Clostridium botulinum**: Clostridium botulinum is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that is strictly anaerobic (meaning it does not require oxygen) and is capable of forming spores. This bacterium produces a potent toxin that leads to the symptoms of botulism.

4. **Sources of Contamination**: Botulism can occur due to improper food preparation or contamination of food with the spores of Clostridium botulinum. Certain foods, especially improperly canned or preserved foods, can harbor these spores.

5. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **E. coli**: This bacterium is generally non-pathogenic and lives in the human gut, making it an incorrect option.
- **Salmonella**: While pathogenic, it is not the cause of botulism, so this option is also incorrect.
- **Clostridium**: This is the correct answer as it is the bacterium that causes botulism.
- **Pseudomonas**: Generally non-pathogenic, making it an incorrect option as well.

6. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question "Botulism is due to contamination of food with" is **Clostridium**.

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