18. Botulism

Question 1

What is the causitive agent of Botulism?

Answer 1

Botulism is caused by Clostridium Botulinum. It’s an anaerobic bacteria and secretes botulotoxin.

Question 2

What are the infant symptoms of Botulism?

Answer 2

1. Constipation
2. poor feeding
3. decreased activity
4. weak cry
5. generalized muscle weakness, decreased reflexes
6. dilated pupils that do not react quickly to light
7. finally paralysis, which may include the eye muscles.

Question 3

What is infant botulism?

Answer 3

Between three weeks and six months of age it develops by ingesting the spores themselves, which can germinate in the intestines and produce toxin.

Question 4

What are the therapy options in Botulism?

Answer 4

1. Antitoxin (A,B,E)
2. Purging with castor oil + neostigmine transfusion.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Botulism?

Answer 5

1. diarrhea
2. then paralytic ileus
3. ptosis
4. dilation of the pupils
5. salivation
6. then stop of secretion
7. aphasia (clear conciousness)
8. aspiration pneumonia
9. bladder atony
10. paralysis of skeletal muscle (respiratory-stop!)

Question 6

What is the Lethal dose of Botulotoxin?

Answer 6

0.001-0.002 mg/kg

Question 7

What is the MOA of Botulotoxin?

Answer 7

Inhibition of the release of Ach.

Question 8

How long does the action of Botulotoxin last?

Answer 8

It has a long latency time of about 12-36hrs.

Question 9

How long does the symptoms last for in infant botulism?

Answer 9

In most cases, the symptoms last for 2-6 weeks and the infant has a complete recovery.