Poisoning with botulinum toxin: what is this, the cause of the, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Description of botulinum toxin poisoning

Ботулотоксин является самым ядовитым веществом, known to man. Even a small amount is lethal. It is produced by bacteria of the genus Clostridium. Some terrorists have tried to organize an attack with the use of botulinum toxin, produced from bacterial spores, discovered in the mud. The toxin can be transmitted through air or food. The toxin causes the disease botulism.

In tiny doses toxin is administered for the treatment of diseases, such as muscle spasms century, migraine, and other disorders.

Causes of botulinum toxin poisoning

Botulinum toxin is a greater threat. It is easy to produce and transport. One gram of toxin could kill one million people. But some experts believe, that it will be ineffective in combat use, due to low stability (about 12 hours). But with regard to the civilian population of its use may pose a serious threat. Botulinum toxin is colorless and odorless. The toxin can not be passed from one person to another.

Risk factors for poisoning with botulinum toxin

Factors, повышающие риск отравления ботулотоксином включают в себя:

• Exposure to toxins after the terrorist use;
• Sometimes accidental exposure to toxins can result from contamination of food, especially if the contaminated food was not packaged properly or was undercooked (heat destroys the toxin).

Symptoms of botulinum toxin poisoning

Symptoms of poisoning after ingestion of botulinum toxin airborne manifested through 12-72 o'clock. Symptoms from getting the toxin through the food may begin from two hours to eight days after eating food with the toxin. The severity and the rate of poisoning can vary depending on the amount of toxin.

Symptoms include:

• “Male”in the eyes or blurred vision;
• Swallowing problems;
• Problems with speech;
• Low compression jaws;
• Fallen eyelid;
• Loss of control of maintaining the head in a normal position;
• Weakness, starting from the head and then down through the body;
• Constipation;
• Paralysis.

Diagnosis of poisoning with botulinum toxin

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, history, possible sources of exposure, and perform a physical exam. Be prepared to answer questions about, where you were and what they ate. Blood, chair and stomach contents will be tested for the presence of toxin. Samples of questionable food may also be checked. Special tests to confirm a diagnosis may take several days.

Tests, to rule out other conditions may include:

• MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of the tissues in the body;
• Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid;
• And electromyogram nerve conduction tests.

Treatment with botulinum toxin poisoning

Early treatment with antitoxin to reduce nerve damage. Treatment should be started, without waiting for confirming diagnostic test.

Antitoxin

Receiving antitoxin in the early stages may reduce the progression of symptoms and reduce paralysis, it does not stop the disease process.

Maintenance therapy

The most serious complication is respiratory failure. Treatment is aimed at maintaining an adequate supply of oxygen. Patients may require mechanical ventilation and close monitoring in an intensive care unit. It may also be necessary to tube feeding. Recovery occurs after, as the body produces new nerve fibers. This process can take several weeks or months.

Public health measures

About poisoning should be reported to public health authorities. Contaminated clothing and surfaces should be washed with a bleach solution or left untouched for days.

Methods detoxifying

Methods for eliminating toxins include:

• Enema;
• Aspiration of gastric contents;
• Medication to stimulate vomiting.

Prevention of poisoning with botulinum toxin

After suspected poisoning will be introduced antitoxin. In the event of a terrorist attack, antitoxin, probably, Patients will be assigned at the first sign of illness.

Botulinum toxin in the food or beverage is inactivated by heating to 85 ° C for at least five minutes.

Botulinum toxin is also decomposed under environmental conditions. Upcoming objects can be decontaminated, they need to be washed with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach).