Clostridium botulinum produces Botulinum toxin, a potent neurotoxin that causes botulism by blocking acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. This leads to flaccid paralysis, which is the hallmark clinical feature. Unlike tetanus toxin, which causes spastic paralysis, botulinum toxin inhibits muscle contraction. Understanding this mechanism is critical for diagnosis and treatment, including antitoxin administration and supportive care. This toxin’s action is central to surgical concerns regarding wound contamination and toxin exposure.

Reference: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Mandell et al., 9th Edition.