We’ve previously discussed how Clostridium Botulinum can cause botulism from improperly canned foods, non-sterile needles, and aerosol cans (biological weapons). Today we’re stepping away from sickness and looking at the medical procedure know as “Botox”.
Botox is well known for being used as cosmetic enhancement. Ophthalmologist Jean Carruthers noticed that her frown lines were disappearing after the use of botulinum toxin A for blepharospasm (abnormal contraction of the eyelid muscles). Dr. Carruthers and her husband then used this information to revolutionize the field of cosmetic enhancements (Ting, P.T.).
Today, botulinum toxin is used in dermatology for the treatment of vertical glabellar frown and horizontal forehead lines, wrinkles from actinic damage, lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet), nasal flare, eyebrow elevation or shaping, facial asym- metry, upper lip creases and chin dimpling (Ting, P.T.).
The botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. These effects last about three to twelve months, depending on the type of treatment. There are side effects however, the most common include; pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomach (MedlinePlus).
How neat is that?! The same bacteria (C. Botulinum) that’s a threat to society and causes food poisoning can ALSO help people to look younger! Next week we’ll take a look to see if C. Botulinum can be linked to helping fight depression.
Botox | Botulinum Toxin | Botox Injections | MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Retrieved October 16, 2017, from https://medlineplus.gov/botox.html
Ting, P. T., & Freiman, A. (n.d.). The story of Clostridium botulinum: from food poisoning to Botox. Retrieved October 16, 2017, from http://www.clinmed.rcpjournal.org/content/4/3/258.full.pdf html
Microbiology orange group 