Genomic characterisation and traceability analysis of a Clostridium botulinum strain involved in a food poisoning incident

Overall, this study identified KM001 as the causative agent in a food poisoning incident, marking the first report of type E botulinum toxin poisoning in the region. Genomic analysis revealed the serotype and genetic diversity among toxin gene clusters, providing insights into its gene function, virulence, and evolutionary relationships. Understanding the genetic relationships and evolutionary pathways of different C. botulinum strains is crucial for predicting infection risks and implementing effective control measures.The findings contribute to the documentation of botulinum toxin incidents in Yunnan, China, but do not examine the antimicrobial resistance of C. botulinum or its interactions with other microorganisms; further research is needed to address these aspects.