Citation

Patocka J, Splino M, Merka V. Acta Med. (Hradec Kralove) 2005; 48(1): 23-28.

Affiliation

University of Defence, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Department of Toxicology, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. patocka@pmfhk.cz

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Publisher Karolinum Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16080379

Abstract

Botulism is a potentially lethal disease caused by one of seven homologous neurotoxic proteins usually produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. This neuromuscular disorder occurs through an exquisite series of molecular events, ultimately ending with the arrest of acetylcholine release and hence, flaccid paralysis. There are three types of botulism: food, wound, and infant botulism. Most strains of the bacterium produce a potent, respiratory muscle-paralyzing neurotoxin, botulinum toxin (BTX). It can lead to death unless appropriate therapy is promptly initiated. Due to the severity and potency of BTX, its importance as a biological weapon is of major concern to public health officials. Nevertheless, BTX is also medicament.

Language: en