Clostridium

botulinum Clostridium botulinum is a bacteria, which can produce a toxin known as botulinum toxin, when it is found in anaerobic conditions, such as food products. The toxin acts as a neurotoxin, which can cause paralysis and potentially be fatal if ingested. Although the toxin is hazardous, it is also used for medical purposes, such as for treating muscle spasms and wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is also used for therapeutic purposes, as it is injected into targeted muscles in order to partially paralyze them, thus providing relief from conditions such as migraine headaches, dystonia and even blepharospasm, a condition characterized by twitching of the eyelids. Through this, Clostridium botulinum is a potentially life threatening bacterium, and yet is a useful tool in the medical world.