A 27-year old female was admitted to the hospital with nause…
A 27-year old female was admitted to the hospital with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps that have become severe. The patient also had difficulty speaking and was complaining of blurred vision and difficulty swallowing. Upon assessment, the nurse assigned observed drooping of the patient’s eyelids, and facial muscles on both sides of her face. Vital signs were stable with a blood pressure of 126/84, a pulse of 82, and a temperature of 98.3° F, however, respirations were 10 (normal is 18-20). The physician on call performed a neurological test showing deficits on both side of the body. The physician also orders blood work and a CT scan. The physician asks the patient what she had eaten in the last few days. She advises the physician that her mother cans her own vegetables and she had eaten from one of the jars. The patient begins to have weakness in her arms and legs. Paralysis starts developing in her upper extremities and soon after her breathing ceases. She was placed on a ventilator. The results of the CT scan are normal showing no signs of stroke or hemorrhage. The blood work however comes back showing positive for toxins. A. What disease does this patient likely have? B. Name the bacterium (genus and species) that causes this disease. C. List and explain the clues provided in the narrative. D. Name the toxin this bacterium produces. E. List three of the beneficial applications of this toxin.