Botulinum toxin as a biological weapon
Rossow, H.; Kinnunen, P.M.; Nikkari, S.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 128(16): 1678-1684
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 23025151 Document Number: 657355
Botulism is caused by botulinum neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is a flaccid paralysis in which consciousness and nociception are preserved. Natural botulism typically results from ingestion of inadequately heated or unheated vacuum-packed foods. In addition, botulinum toxin is one of the most feared biological weapons. In the diagnosis and treatment of botulism early suspicion is essential. Several coinciding or local clusters without a typical connecting source, or an uncommon type of toxin may indicate an intentionally caused epidemic.