Botulinum Toxin (Botulism) Background - Foodborne botulism Wound botulism Infant/Intestinal botulism

botulinum can multiply and produce botulinum toxin in the anaerobic center of the wound, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream. [...] A deliberate release of botulinum toxin could be in the form of an aerosolized weapon or contamination of the food or water supply with C. [...] Confirmatory testing is available at the CDC and some local and state laboratories, but the specialized tests needed to confirm a diagnosis of botulism can take days to complete.1 In the case of a bioterrorist attack with botulinum toxin, clinical diagnosis will be the basis for medical response, and treatment should be started without waiting for laboratory confirmation of disease.6 Symptoms are. [...] Botulism causes flaccid paralysis, which begins in the muscles of the head and neck and progresses to the muscles of the trunk and extremities. [...] Muscle fatigue and shortness of breath can persist for years.1,2,6 Clinical Uses Botulinum toxins A and B can be used therapeutically and cosmetically in a very dilute form for a variety of ailments, all of which derive use from the toxins’ ability to minimize muscle tension.