Survey of soils for spores of Clostridium botulinum (union of South Africa and South West Africa)

Abstract

The absence of any authenticated case of human botulism in South Africa suggested that Clostridium botulinum Types A, B or E might be rare organisms in the soils of this country. Three out of 102 samples of soil from the Union of South Africa and South West Africa produced Clostridium botulinum Type‐B toxin when cultured. Clostridium botulinum Type B was obtained in pure culture from the three toxic cultures by a method described. The isolation in South Africa of Clostridium botulinum Type B is reported for the first time : a description of the strains is given. The factors which militate against toxin production by Clostridium botulinum in cultures of soil are discussed, and the probable operation of these same factors in reducing the chances of toxin formation in foods is suggested.

Persistence and mobility of a Clostridium botulinum spore population introduced to soil with spiked compost

“…The natural and principal habitat of C. botulinum is soil and marine and freshwater sediments. The prevalence has been studied on many continents including Europe (Knock, 1952; Creti et al ., 1990; Sandler et al ., 1993; Williamson et al ., 1999; Dhaked et al ., 2002; Zechmeister et al ., 2005; for more references see Lúquez et al ., 2005) and data on the geographical distribution of the toxin types are available. Clostridium botulinum is considered to be ubiquitously distributed in soil.…”

Inhibition of Clostridium botulinum type C by Bacteria Isolated from Mud

“…Inability to detect CI. botulinum in a sample is not proof of its absence as other bacteria may inhibit growth or denature the toxin (Hall & Peterson 1923;Jordan & Dack 1924;Haines 1942;Knock 1952;Baird-Parker 1969;Smith 1976).…”

Type E (Fish-Borne) Botulism: A Review

“…botulinum conducted recently in the southern hemisphere yielded no evidence of type E organisms or toxin. Knock (1952) Again, Pedersen (1955) contended that most type E spores occurring in soil and sea mud were killed by heating for 5 min. at 80°C.…”