Which test is performed to confirm an infection with Clostridium botulinum?

The toxin neutralization test is crucial for confirming an infection with Clostridium botulinum because this bacterium produces a potent neurotoxin responsible for botulism. In this test, a sample suspected of containing the botulinum toxin is introduced to a laboratory animal or cell culture. The presence of the toxin can be identified by observing the animal's symptoms or cell response after the sample is administered. A positive result indicates that the toxin is present, confirming an infection with C. botulinum.

Other tests, such as the spore-forming test, focus on identifying the organism based on its ability to form spores, which may not necessarily indicate a current infection. The lipase test and gelatin hydrolysis test are biochemical assays used for different types of bacteria and do not have a direct relationship with the identification of C. botulinum or the presence of its toxin. Therefore, the toxin neutralization test remains the definitive method for diagnosing infections caused by Clostridium botulinum.