Final answer:
The type of study described is a case series, which observes a group of individuals with similar symptoms and potential exposures, without the use of a control group.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario described involves a physician in Buenos Aires who reported three cases of suspected botulism at the MOH. The patients shared common symptoms and worked at the same location. This type of investigation is identified as a case series, as it describes a group of individuals with similar presenting symptoms and potential exposure, without a control group for comparison. A case series provides descriptive information about the affected individuals and is a common early step in identifying potential outbreaks and establishing associations with specific exposures.
Botulism is a serious illness caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The reported symptoms like drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory problems are consistent with botulism. This illness is associated with improper food preservation, as botulinum spores can survive in improperly sterilized canned foods, creating an anaerobic environment for the bacteria to produce toxins.
The Complete Question is:
In January 2012, a physician in a Buenos Aires hospital telephoned the Ministry of Health (MOH) to report three possible cases of botulism. The patients, all men in their 30s, presented with drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory problems. One patient had onset of symptoms on February 2, the other two on February 5. All three men worked in a local meat factory. What type of study is this?
Case-control study
Case series
Ecologic study
Cross-sectional study