Botulism is a severe neuroparalytic disease produced by botulinum neurotoxins of Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxins are the most potent poisons for humans. These toxins are haematogenously disseminated to peripheral cholinergic synapses where toxins bind irreversibly to the receptor sites at the neuromuscular junction and other peripheral autonomic synaptic sites, and block acetylcholine release. The characteristic clinical finding of botulism is hypotonia with a descending symmetric flaccid paralysis which begins with bilateral cranial nerve impairment involving muscles of the face, head, and pharynx and then descends symetrically to involve muscles of the thorax and extremities. The clinical diagnosis of food-borne botulism can be confirmed by assaying the toxin in serum, feces, gastric or vomitus contents, and isolation of C. botulinum from the feces of the patient. Recovery depends upon several factors such as the effectiveness of respiratory care, maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance, and prevention of infection. [Journal of Turgut Ozal Medical Center 1998;5(1):87-96]
Key Words: Clostridium botulinum, botulism, neurotoxin, paralysis, infant, wound
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