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Overview

Topic Editor: Grant E. Fraser, M.D., FRACGP, FACRRM, ASTEM

Review Date: 12/13/2012


Definition

Botulism is a potentially life-threatening condition in which a neurotoxin from the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum results in an acute paralytic condition. This condition may occur due to ingestion of contaminated food or wound infection.

Description

Epidemiology

Incidence/Prevalence

Age

Gender

Race

Risk factors

Etiology


History & Physical Findings

History

Physical findings on examination

Additionally, based upon specific etiology of botulism, the following may be present:

Laboratory & Diagnostic Testing/Findings

Botulism is typically diagnosed based on clinical symptoms as routine laboratory investigations are usually not helpful. Treatment should not be delayed pending laboratory confirmation. The most critical point is that this condition is a clinical diagnosis that requires empiric treatment early, with laboratory confirmation occurring thereafter.

Blood test findings

Other laboratory tests

Radiographic findings

Other diagnostic tests findings


Differential Diagnosis

Treatment/Medications

General treatment items

Medication indicated with specific doses

Dietary or Activity restrictions

Disposition

Admission Criteria

Discharge Criteria


Follow-up

Monitoring

Complications


Miscellaneous

Prevention

Prognosis

Pregnancy/Pediatric effects on condition

ICD-9-CM

ICD-10-CM


References

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  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): National Center for Infectious Diseases; Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases Botulism http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/files/botulism.PDF. Updated 1998. Last accessed Oct 11, 2012.
  4. Center for Biosecurity of UPMC. Botulinum toxin (Botulism). http://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/our_work/biological-threats-and-epidemics/fact_sheets/botulism.pdf. Updated Oct 13, 2011. Last accessed Oct 11, 2011.
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Botulism Annual Summary, 2010 Atlanta, Georgia: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/nationalsurveillance/PDFs/Botulism_CSTE_2010.pdf.Updated 2011. Last accessed Oct 12, 2012.
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