PubMed Health⌕ Search

PubMed · 16168317

Botulinum toxin.

Abstract

Botulinum toxin is regarded as the most lethal substance known. It is estimated that the human LD50 for inhalation botulism is 1 to 3 nanograms of toxin/kilogram body mass. Although only three cases of inhalational botulism have been described, an understanding of the pathophysiology of food-borne outbreaks, wound botulism, and infant botulism, and their therapies, enables the medical community to plan treatment in the event of an aerosol release of botulinum toxin. Antitoxin, vaccine, and F(ab')2 immune fragment therapies are discussed as adjuncts to supportive therapy.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

B Zane Horowitz. 2005. Botulinum toxin.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccc.2005.06.008

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

Vaccinia immune globulin: current policies, preparedness, and product safety and efficacy.

In 1980 the World Health Organization declared that smallpox was eradicated from the world, and routine smallpox vaccination was discontinued. Nevertheless, samples of the smallpox virus (variola virus) were retained for research purposes, not least because of fears that terrorist groups or rogue states might also have kept samples in order to develop a bioweapon. Variola virus represents an effective bioweapon because it is associated with high morbidity and mortality and is highly contagious. Since September 11, 2001, countries around the world have begun to develop policies and preparedness programs to deal with a bioterror attack, including stockpiling of smallpox vaccine. Smallpox vaccine itself may be associated with a number of serious adverse events, which can often be managed with vaccinia immune globulin (VIG). VIG may also be needed as prophylaxis in patients for whom pre-exposure smallpox vaccine is contraindicated (such as those with eczema or pregnant women), although it is currently not licensed in these cases. Two intravenous formulations of VIG (VIGIV Cangene and VIGIV Dynport) have been licensed by the FDA for the management of patients with progressive vaccinia, eczema vaccinatum, severe generalized vaccinia, and extensive body surface involvement or periocular implantation following inadvertent inoculation.

Bioterrorism↗

Early detection and surveillance for biopreparedness and emerging infectious diseases.

Biological weapons and emerging infectious diseases pose a significant risk to public health. A timely response is needed to effectively treat and contain a potential infectious disease outbreak. Detection and surveillance of biological agents needs to be sensitive and specific to allow providers to quickly and accurately identify the disease process and begin the necessary response procedures. This article addresses the importance of early detection and surveillance of both intentional and unintentional biological events. Challenges of bioterrorism and the nursing role in response are discussed. Epidemiological considerations, such as route of transmission and personal protective equipment, are presented. An overview of the major surveillance systems, including advances in computer-based technology, is provided to help health care providers become aware of current surveillance systems and clinical decision support tools designed to help diminish the impact of biological threats.

Bioterrorism↗