What type of pathogen is Botulism classified as?

Botulism is classified as a bacterial intoxication because it is caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This pathogen can produce neurotoxins that are among the most potent known, leading to severe illness and potentially life-threatening symptoms. The key aspect of this classification highlights that the problem arises not directly from an active infection but from the ingestion of the toxin itself, which is the result of bacterial growth and metabolism in certain conditions, such as in improperly canned or preserved foods. Understanding this classification helps emphasize the importance of safe food handling practices to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and the production of toxins in food products.