Botulism

Botulism is caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum that results in acute, fatal generalized paralysis. Although no RCTs have been conducted on the effects of botulinum toxin, it has been reported that fewer deaths have occurred in patients treated with botulinum toxin. Antivenoms against botulinum toxins A, B, E, and F are produced in Japan.

See the illustration about the initial symptoms.

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Botulism is a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum that causes acute generalized paralysis leading to death1). Although no RCTs have been conducted on the effects of botulinum toxin, it has been reported that fewer deaths occur in patients treated with botulinum toxin2). 2) Antivenoms against botulinum toxins A, B, E, and F have been produced in Japan and are stored for use against terrorism3).

1)　Yiannakopoulou E. Serious and long-term adverse events associated with the therapeutic and cosmetic use of botulinum toxin. Pharmacology 2015;95:65-9.
2)　Tacket CO, Shandera WX, Mann JM, et al. Equine antitoxin use and other factors that predict outcome in type A foodborne botulism. Am J Med 1984;76:794-8.
3)　Rainey GJ, Young JA. Antitoxins: novel strategies to target agents of bioterrorism. Nat Rev Microbiol 2004;2:721-6.