Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The earliest recorded human outbreak was in Germany in 1793. Several nations weaponized botulism toxin beginning in the 1930s. The toxin works by blocking nerve impulses at neuromuscular junctions, causing muscle weakness. Clinical presentation includes blurred/double vision, drooping eyelids, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment focuses on antitoxin administration and supportive care like ventilation until the toxin clears the body.

2. BOTULISM HISTORY
•Earliest recorded human outbreak in Germany (1793)
•Organism isolated in 1895
•Weaponized by several nations including the U.S.,
japan, and soviet union, beginning in the 1930”s
•Iraq (1980”s) produced 19,000L of concentrated
botulism toxin

3. BOTULISM TOXIN
•Toxin produced by the bacterium
Clostridium botulinum
•Anaerobic, Gram positive, rod-shaped bacteria
•Bacteria are 0.5 to 2.0 µm in width and 1.6 to 22.0 µm in
length
•Create spores that can remain dormant for 30 years or
more
•Spores extremely resistant to environmental stress,
such as heat, acids and UV light

4. WEAPON
• It is used a bio-weapon
• Botulism toxin is the most poisonous substance
known
• HIGH LETHALITY : 1 µg could potentially kill 1 million
people
• Isolated fairly easily from soil
• Expensive, long- term care needed for recovery

5. BOTULISM TOXIN MECHANISM

6. BOTULISM CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Classic symptoms of botulism poisoning include:
• Blurred/double vision
• Muscle weakness
• Drooping eyelids
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty swallowing
Infants with botulism will present with:
• Weak cry
• Poor feeding
• Constipation
• Poor muscle tone

7. BOTULISM CLINICAL TREATMENT
Antitoxin administration
Supportive care
• Mechanical ventilation
• Body positioning
• Parenteral nutrition
Elimination
• Induced vomiting
• High enemas

8. BOTULISM INFECTION CONTROL
• Botulism cannot be transmitted person-to-person
• Standard precautions should be taken when caring for botulism
patients

9. BOTULISM VACCINE
• A toxoid vaccine (antigen types A, B, C, D, and E)is
available for laboratory workers at high risk of exposure
• Limited supplies of this vaccine available