C. botulinum is a large anaerobic bacillus that forms subterminal endospores. It is widely distributed in soil, sediments of lakes and ponds, and decaying vegetation. Hence, the intestinal tracts of birds, mammals and fish may occasionally contain the organism as a transient. Seven toxigenic types of the organism exist, each producing an immunologically distinct form of botulinum toxin. The toxins are designated A, B, C1, D, E, F, and G). Not all strains of C. botulinum produce the botulinum toxin. Lysogenic phages encode toxin serotypes C and D, and non lysogenized bacteria (which exist in nature) do not produce the toxin. Type G toxin is thought to be plasmid encoded.Synonyms: BoNT/D, Bontoxilysin-D, Clostridium Botulinum Toxin D, botD