Which bacterial toxin can cause paralysis?

The bacterial toxin that can cause paralysis is Clostridium botulinum toxin. This potent neurotoxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and is responsible for botulism, a serious illness that can lead to muscle paralysis. The toxin disrupts the normal signaling processes between nerves and muscles by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, leading to paralysis that can start with the muscles of the face and potentially progress to respiratory failure if not treated promptly.

In contrast, while the other toxins listed can cause gastrointestinal illness or other health issues, they do not cause paralysis. Staphylococcus enterotoxin is primarily associated with food poisoning rather than neurological symptoms. Bacillus cereus toxin may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea but does not impact nerve signaling in the same way. Lastly, Salmonella enterotoxin is also associated with foodborne illness and does not have a paralyzing effect. Thus, Clostridium botulinum toxin is the distinct choice due to its specific mechanism of causing paralysis.