Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that produces the toxin botulin, which causes botulism. It is included in the genus Clostridium, a major group of Gram-positive forms. C. botulinum was first recognized and isolated in 1896 by Van Ermengem and is commonly found in soil.
These rod-shaped organisms grow best in low-oxygen conditions. They form spores that allow them to survive in a dormant state until exposed to conditions that can support their growth.
This bacteria causes Botulism:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botulism
Botulism (from Latin botulus, "sausage") is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin, botulin, that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulin is the most potent known toxin, blocking nerve function and leading to respiratory and musculoskeletal paralysis.
There are three main kinds of botulism:
* Foodborne botulism is a form of foodborne illness and is caused by eating foods that contain the botulism toxin.
* Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced from a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum.
* Infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of the botulinum bacteria, which then grow in the intestines and release toxin.