Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

Clostridium botulinum intoxication may lead to which severe symptoms?

1. Dizziness and headaches

2. Double vision, fatigue, difficulty speaking, and respiratory paralysis

3. Nausea and diarrhea

4. Jaundice and abdominal cramps

The correct answer is: Double vision, fatigue, difficulty speaking, and respiratory paralysis

Clostridium botulinum intoxication is a serious condition caused by the botulinum toxin, which affects the nervous system. The severe symptoms associated with this type of intoxication stem from the toxin's ability to block acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions, leading to widespread muscle paralysis. Double vision occurs because the muscles that control eye movement are affected, resulting in misalignment of the eyes. Fatigue and difficulty speaking, or dysarthria, are also indicative of muscle weakness caused by the toxin's action. The most alarming symptom is respiratory paralysis, which can be life-threatening as it prevents the person from breathing adequately. These symptoms highlight the severity of botulinum toxicity and the critical nature of seeking immediate medical attention. In contrast, the other options list symptoms more commonly associated with other types of foodborne illnesses or conditions. Nausea and diarrhea, for example, are typical for many gastrointestinal pathogens but do not reflect the neurologic impact of botulinum toxin. The symptoms of jaundice and abdominal cramps are more relevant to liver dysfunction or other gastrointestinal issues rather than a neurological syndrome.