Distribution of Clostridium botulinum

Abstract

The distribution of C. botulinum in the natural environments of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland and Bangladesh was examined. A total of 684 samples were tested. Type E was found in 90% of samples from the aquatic environment of Denmark, including sediments from young artificial lakes, and in 86% of samples from the marine environment of Greenland. Type E was not found in Danish cultivated soil and woodlands, including cultivated soil from reclaimed sea beds, but type B was frequently demonstrated in these environments. C. botulinum types A, B or E was found in 2.6% of samples from the environments of the Faroe Islands and Iceland; types C or D were seen in 42% of samples from Bangladesh. The incidence of type E in aquatic sediments was not related to general industrial pollution or a high content of rotting vegetation. Fish or a rich aquatic fauna appeared to contribute to a high incidence of type E. Apparently, type E is a true aquatic organism, because this environment offers the best conditions for survival of the spore in nature. Its presence in aquatic bottom deposits is based on sedimentation after proliferation in the carrion of the aquatic fauna and dissemination by water currents and migrating fish.