The Clostridium botulinum bacteria are the cause of botulism. Vegetative cells of C. botulinum may be injested. Introduction of the bacteria may also occur via endospores in a wound. When the bacteria is in vivo they induce flaccid paralysis. This happens because C. botulinum produces a toxin which blocks the release of acetylcholine. When this occurs, the muscles are unable to contract.[3]
Other
Flaccid paralysis can be associated with a lower motor neurone lesion. This is in contrast to a upper motor neurone lesion, which often presents with spastic paralysis. Included in AFP's list are Poliomyelitis, Transverse myelitis,Guillain-Barré syndrome, enteroviral encephalopathy[4], traumatic neuritis, Reye's syndrome etc. An AFP Surveillance programme is conducted to increase case yield of poliomyelitis. This includes collection of 2 stool samples within 14 days of onset of paralysis and identification of virus. and control of the outbreak and strenghthening immunisation in that area.
References
^ Alberta Government Health and Wellness (2005) Acute Flaccid Paralysis Public Health Notifiable Disease Management Guidelines.
^ Kelly H, Brussen KA, Lawrence A, Elliot E, Pearn J, Thorley B (2006). "Polioviruses and other enteroviruses isolated from faecal samples of patients with acute flaccid paralysis in Australia, 1996-2004". Journal of paediatrics and child health42 (6): 370–6. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1754.2006.00875.x. PMID 16737480.
^ Anis-ur-Rehman , Idris M, Elahi M, Jamshed , Arif A. Guillain Barre syndrome: the leading cause of acute flaccid paralysis in Hazara division. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2007 Jan-Mar;19(1):26-8.