2. Consider the Following Patient
An 18 year old Male coming back from a
camping trip is experiencing extreme muscle
fatigue along with acute signs of paralysis.
Upon questioning he had brought his own
canned food, bottled water and had no
lacerations during the camping trip. During
his stay in the hospital he also acquires
symptoms of droopy eyelids and a weak
voice.
3. Diagnosis
Routine Lab Tests are done showing no
abnormalities with the CBC test, electrolytes,
LFTS, Tenisol, or urinanlysis
The Patient also has a normal MRI(C13 NMR)
and CT
Confirmation of Botulinum Toxin A is done
with culturing of the bacteria found in the
stool of the patient
4. Toxin Mechanism
• The Toxin works by
inhibiting the release
of acetylcholine
• Acetylcholine allows
for signals to be sent
from the brain to
various muscles.
5. Clostridium Botulinum Bacteria
• The bacteria often hides innate in a
spore formation until consumed by
a host
• The spore formation is displayed to
the left and allows the bacterium to
evade antiseptics
• Because of this spore formation the
toxin sits hidden in improperly
sealed or punctured canned foods
6. Inhibition Mechanism
Once arrived in the cytoplasm the L-
chain attacks one of the fusion
proteins at a neuromuscolar
junction, preventing vesicles from
anchoring to the membrane to
release acetylcholine, in order to
interfere with the nerve impulses
and causing flaccid paralysis of
muscles.
7. Treatment
Treatments in the early stages of the disease include
and antitoxin drug that attaches to the toxin
disarming it
This is the only treatment besides rest that is
prescribed since the damage to nerves can not be
reversed besides natural nerve regeneration
8. Works Cited
Botulism. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2016, from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/botulism/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20025875
THE BOTULINUM TOXIN: friend and foe. (n.d.). Retrieved
December 17, 2016, from
http://flipper.diff.org/app/items/5437
