The occurrence of Clostridium botulinum at aquatic sites in and around Auckland and other urban areas of the North Island

Abstract

Samples of bottom muds from lakes and waterways in the Auckland area were inoculated into bottles of cooked meat medium. After incubation, the media were tested for reduction of Clostridium botulinum toxin which was detected with samples from 11 of the 20 sites examined. Although toxins produced from all positive samples were neutralized by specific antisera to both type C and D toxins, it is likely that C. botulinum type Cα is the only type present in the Auckland area. All samples from other urban areas of the North Island gave negative results.