A Stool Sample from the Patient Is Cultured, and Confirms

A stool sample from the patient is cultured, and confirms the presence of Clostridium botulinum. In addition, the stool sample as well as leftover stew and green beans are tested for botulinum toxin—toxin is present in the green beans and in the stool sample, but not in the stew. These results confirm the diagnosis of foodborne botulism. You are one of the RNs taking care of the patient—he remains in the hospital for several weeks, before being discharged.
-Why is botulism primarily a problem in canned foods rather than fresh ones?

A) Canned food is never sterilized, so bacteria such as C. botulinum thrive in cans.
B) Fresh food contains normal microbiota that prevents the growth of pathogens such as C. botulinum.
C) The canning process dramatically reduces the pH of food, and C. botulinum is an acidophile.
D) The causative agent is an obligate anaerobe-the canning process removes O₂.
E) All of the answer choices are correct.

Correct Answer:

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