In all forms of botulism, the signs and symptoms are similar. However, in the food borne variety, gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea may be present.

The most common presentation is the characteristic weakness of the muscles supplied by cranial nerves. Muscle paralysis starts from the face which manifests as loss of facial expressions, ptosis, diplopia, dyspnea, dysphagia and difficulty in talking [4].

The paralysis then symmetrically descends to involve the limbs causing weakness of the arms and legs. There may also be a diminishing or even a total absence of the reflexes. As the disease progresses, it may also cause paralysis of the muscles of respiration leading to respiratory arrest which can be life threatening.

Constipation is an early symptom in infant botulism which is most likely to be missed.

• Malaise

  Vomiting Dysphagia Diplopia Dilated/fixed pupils Extremely dry mouth unrelieved by drinking fluids Generally, botulism progresses as follows: Preceding or following the onset of paralysis are nonspecific findings such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, malaise [emedicine.medscape.com]

  Generally, botulism progresses as follows:Preceding or following the onset of paralysis are nonspecific findings such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, malaise, dizziness, dry mouth, dry throat, and, occasionally, sore throat. [slideshare.net]

• Dyspnea

  Muscle paralysis starts from the face which manifests as loss of facial expressions, ptosis, diplopia, dyspnea, dysphagia and difficulty in talking. [symptoma.com]

  80%) HP:0000651 3 cranial nerve paralysis 60 33 hallmark (90%) Very frequent (99-80%) HP:0006824 4 cerebral palsy 60 33 hallmark (90%) Very frequent (99-80%) HP:0100021 5 diaphragmatic paralysis 60 33 hallmark (90%) Very frequent (99-80%) HP:0006597 6 dyspnea [malacards.org]

  […] stool, serum, food or other specimen; Scope: Global Signs & Symptoms: dizziness; fatigue; pharyngitis; abdominal pain; constipation; diarrhea; nausea, vomiting; deep tendon reflexes, reduced; dysphagia; speech, impaired; weakness; vision, impaired; dyspnea [web.archive.org]

  This may be experienced as dyspnea (difficulty breathing), but when severe can lead to respiratory failure, due to the buildup of unexhaled carbon dioxide and its resultant depressant effect on the brain. [en.wikipedia.org]

• Stridor

  Patient B presented with shortness of breath, vomiting, and stridor. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Constipation

  Constipation and poor feeding in babies will almost certainly have another cause, but medical advice should always be sought for these symptoms. [health.govt.nz]

  Botulism is a potentially fatal infection characterized by progressive muscle weakness, bulbar paralysis, constipation and other autonomic dysfunctions. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  In foodborne botulism, constipation, diarrhea, and/or vomiting may occur. In intestinal botulism, infants are weak, constipated, and "floppy" with loss of head control. Patients die from respiratory paralysis. [web.archive.org]

  Presenting symptoms include constipation, lethargy, a weak cry, poor feeding and dehydration. [aafp.org]

• Vomiting

  The clinical symptoms of wound botulism are similar to those of foodborne botulism except that gastrointestinal symptoms (including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) are uncommon. [emedicine.medscape.com]

  Treatment requires hospitalization In some cases, doctors will induce vomiting or use enemas to cleanse your intestinal tract of any remaining botulism-laced food. [health.clevelandclinic.org]

  In foodborne botulism, constipation, diarrhea, and/or vomiting may occur. In intestinal botulism, infants are weak, constipated, and "floppy" with loss of head control. Patients die from respiratory paralysis. [web.archive.org]

  Symptoms often begin with blurred vision and difficulty in swallowing and speaking, but sometimes diarrhoea and vomiting can occur. The disease can go on to lead to further problems with vision, and paralysis. [patient.info]

• Nausea

  The clinical symptoms of wound botulism are similar to those of foodborne botulism except that gastrointestinal symptoms (including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) are uncommon. [emedicine.medscape.com]

  Nausea and vomiting may also occur. These symptoms may progress to paralysis of the arm muscles and continue down the body to the trunk and legs. Paralysis of breathing muscles can be fatal. Most cases recover if diagnosed and treated early. [health.nsw.gov.au]

  Therefore, the classical diagnostic pentad of botulism (dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, diplopia, fixed dilated pupils) may be of limited sensitivity in single cases. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  However, to be extra cautious, we advise patients with Crohn’s disease to consult a medical professional immediately if any of the following symptoms occur: vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, muscular weakness or the more severe neurological symptoms [badgut.org]

• Dysphagia

  The results suggest that MEG examination of swallowing can reflect short-term changes in patients suffering from neurogenic dysphagia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Dysphagia

  The results suggest that MEG examination of swallowing can reflect short-term changes in patients suffering from neurogenic dysphagia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Sialorrhea

  Randomized double-blind study of botulinum toxin type B for sialorrhea in ALS patients. Muscle Nerve. 2009 Feb. 39(2):137-43. [Medline]. Alrefai AH, Aburahma SK, Khader YS. [emedicine.medscape.com]

• Orthostatic Hypotension

  Prominent features of cardiovascular failure were high resting heart rate, supine hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, and impaired baroreflex function. Three patients reported inability to keep up with their routine amount of physical work. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Orthostatic hypotension Botulism is a rare but important suspicion in acute or predominant isolated autonomic dysfunction. Heart failure with diastolic dysfunction also has been reported. [medicaljoyworks.com]

  hypotension Reduced salivation Reduced lacrimation Other neurologic findings include the following: Changes in deep tendon reflexes, which may be either intact or diminished Incoordination due to muscle weakness Absence of pathologic reflexes and normal [emedicine.medscape.com]

• Tachycardia

  Symptoms of botulism include: Blurred vision/double vision Drooping Eyelids; other signs of facial nerve paralysis Slurred speech Nausea and vomiting Difficulty swallowing, dry mouth and throat Tachycardia Respiratory paralysis Constipation, problems [commonsensehome.com]

  Over the next 24 hours, she had a decreased level of consciousness, a depressed Glasgow coma scale score, tachycardia, and difficulty breathing, with eventual respiratory failure requiring ventilation support. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Blurred Vision

  Early symptoms of foodborne botulism include weakness, marked fatigue and vertigo usually followed by blurred vision, dry mouth and difficulty swallowing. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. [health.nsw.gov.au]

  Patients may experience double or blurred vision, droopy eyelids, difficulty speaking and a dry mouth. In more severe cases, patient have trouble swallowing and breathing. Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur before or after paralysis. [aanem.org]

  vision, double vision, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty speaking. [badgut.org]

  They present ileus and acute cranial nerve dysfunction including dysphagia and blurred vision. One of them had severe neurologic impairment and required mechanical ventilatory support. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Maaring makabulag ito kung hindi maaagapan (If left untreated, these bacteria could cause paralysis, blurred vision, or even cause blindness)," he said. [youtube.com]

• Diplopia

  Muscle paralysis starts from the face which manifests as loss of facial expressions, ptosis, diplopia, dyspnea, dysphagia and difficulty in talking. [symptoma.com]

  Therefore, the classical diagnostic pentad of botulism (dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, diplopia, fixed dilated pupils) may be of limited sensitivity in single cases. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Visual blurring maybe interpreted as diplopia by the patient, it is important to assess the vision accurately. Is a manifestation of cranial neuropathy affecting occulomotor (CN III), trochlear (CN IV) and abducens (CNVI) nerves. [medicaljoyworks.com]

  […] caused by potent protein neurotoxins produced by clostridium botulinum, which interfere with the presynaptic release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction; clinical features include abdominal pain, vomiting, acute paralysis, blurred vision and diplopia [icd9data.com]

• Blepharoptosis

  Blepharoptosis. It is the result of dysfunction of the levator palpebrae superioris which is innervated by the superior division of third cranial nerve and the Mueller muscle of the eyelid. [medicaljoyworks.com]

• Muscle Weakness

  Symptoms of botulism include difficulty in focusing the eyes, double vision, difficulty in swallowing, drooping eyelids, dry mouth, muscle weakness, and/or slurred speech. [businessdictionary.com]

  By history, the most common symptoms were dysphagia (66%), proximal muscle weakness of upper and lower extremity (60%), neck flexor muscle weakness (33%), ophthalmoplegia (53%), bilateral ptosis (46%), dysarthria (53%), double vision (40%), blurred vision [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  They attack the nervous system (nerves, brain and spinal cord) and cause paralysis (muscle weakness). [nhs.uk]

• Muscle Hypotonia

  Infant botulism presents a broad spectrum of severity ranging from mild muscle hypotonia, manageable on an outpatient basis, to sudden death caused by respiratory arrest ( 3 ). [doi.org]

• Neck Weakness

  Complications Neck weakness, dysphagia, and local pain at the injection site are the most commonly reported side effects. [emedicine.medscape.com]

• Urinary Retention

  Urinary retention with bladder distension It is due to autonomic toxic neuropathy in botulism, when the suspected patients present with abdominal distention and abdominal pain, urinary retention has to be suspected., Urinary retention with bladder distension [medicaljoyworks.com]

  Later complications include paralytic ileus, severe constipation, and urinary retention. Wound botulism results when wounds are contaminated with C botulinum spores. [emedicine.medscape.com]

  Initial symptoms include blurry vision (accommodation defects, diplopia) with bilateral ptosis, followed by dysautonomic symptoms (dry mouth and eyes, mydriasis, dysphagia, dysarthria, urinary retention and constipation). [orpha.net]

  Other symptoms after ingestion may include dry mouth, abdominal distention, urinary retention, postural hypotension, and paralysis of extraocular muscles. Symptoms progress over several days to respiratory paralysis. [web.archive.org]

• Bladder Distention

  distention advancing to urinary retention Orthostatic hypotension Reduced salivation Reduced lacrimation Other neurologic findings include the following: Changes in deep tendon reflexes, which may be either intact or diminished Incoordination due to [emedicine.medscape.com]

  The autonomic nervous system is also involved.Manifestations of this include the following:1 Paralytic ileus advancing to severe constipation2 Gastric dilatation3 Bladder distention advancing to urinary retention4 Orthostatic hypotension5 Reduced salivation6 [slideshare.net]

• Flaccid Paralysis

  Botulinum toxin ingestion leads to a clinical syndrome characterised by cranial nerve palsies, oculobulbar weakness, and descending, symmetrical flaccid paralysis in the absence of fever. Affected patients do not complain of sensory deficits. [bestpractice.bmj.com]

  The organism produces botulinum toxin which causes neuromuscular flaccid paralysis. [symptoma.com]

  Abstract Botulism is the acute, flaccid paralysis caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome

  Physicians must be careful when diagnosing botulism because it may cause symptoms similar to diseases such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, and strokes. [aanem.org]

  Both botulism and Miller-Fisher variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome were initial diagnostic considerations, and she was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and botulinum antitoxin. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  In all other forms, the diagnosis of botulism can be based on the patient’s history and physical examination; however, the signs and symptoms may mimic other diseases like Guillain-Barré syndrome, stroke and myasthenia gravis. [symptoma.com]

  Differential diagnosis Differential diagnosis, depending on the disease form, in adults or infants, includes myasthenia, Guillain-Barré syndrome (and Miller Fisher syndrome), Lambert-Eaton syndrome (see these terms), bacterial and chemical food poisoning [orpha.net]

  Subacute necrotizing encephalomyelitis Toxins Heavy metals Alcohols Organophosphates Anticholinergics Narcotics Neuromuscular Poliomyelitis Infantile spinal muscular atrophy Acute polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barré syndrome) Congenital myasthenia gravis [aafp.org]

• Stroke

  Physicians must be careful when diagnosing botulism because it may cause symptoms similar to diseases such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, and strokes. [aanem.org]

  In all other forms, the diagnosis of botulism can be based on the patient’s history and physical examination; however, the signs and symptoms may mimic other diseases like Guillain-Barré syndrome, stroke and myasthenia gravis. [symptoma.com]

  Botulism is diagnosed through a combined assessment of the patient's symptoms and history and specialized tests to rule out other diseases that can appear as botulism, such as stroke, myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. [health.gov.on.ca]

  At first, hospital staff thought she had suffered a stroke because of her slurred speech and muscle weakness. The doctor did ask her if she had eaten any spoiled food lately, however. Too weak to speak, Mrs. [web.archive.org]

• Dysarthria

  A 60-year-old man was hospitalized with blurred vision, diplopia, and dysarthria. On hospital day 2, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for progressive fatigable weakness with ptosis, dysphagia, dysarthria, and nausea. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Descending Paralysis

  Clostridium botulinum is known to cause descending paralysis in infants throughout the world. The subject of this study was a three-month-old Costa Rican boy who was hospitalized because of poor suction and feeding, hypotonia, and constipation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Clinical Features A neuroparalytic illness characterized by symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis of motor and autonomic nerves, always beginning with the cranial nerves. [web.archive.org]

Most of the cases of infant botulism should be diagnosed on clinical grounds. Confirmation can be made by stool or enema specimen with the mouse bioassay.

In all other forms, the diagnosis of botulism can be based on the patient’s history and physical examination; however, the signs and symptoms may mimic other diseases like Guillain-Barré syndrome, stroke and myasthenia gravis [5].

Confirmation of diagnosis can be made if botulinum toxin is identified in the food, stomach contents, vomitus and/or feces of the patient. In peracute cases, the toxin can be found in blood as well. The detection of toxin in various specimens can be carried out by different tests such as:

• Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA)
• Electrochemiluminiscence (ECL) [6]
• Mouse inoculation tests

The primary treatment consists of administration of antitoxin and the provision of supportive care [7].

In case of respiratory paralysis, the patient may require a ventilator for weeks or months. Food borne and wound botulism, if diagnosed early, can be treated with passive immunity and antibiotics [8].

Two types of antitoxins are available:

• trivalent antitoxin (effective against the toxin types A, B and E) [9]
• heptavalent antitoxin (effective against all the toxin types from A to G) [10]

Infant botulism is harder to manage. Currently, a drug named Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) is the only suitable option to manage this form of botulism.

Untreated botulism may be fatal in as many as 60% of the cases. However, if diagnosed early, the disease can be successfully treated with no complications.

The recovery however, may still take some weeks. Before the development of artificial respirators, mortality due to botulism was very high, but in 1990s it dropped to as low as 2%.

Botulism is caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and not by infection with the bacterium itself. The organism produces toxin in anaerobic conditions. The toxin enters the bloodstream and acts on the nervous system causing flaccid paralysis of voluntary muscles which may progress to paralysis of respiratory muscles leading to respiratory arrest.

The disease in humans in mostly caused by three toxin types A, B and E. The lethal doses for causing disease in a man of 70 kg weight are estimated to be 0.09 to 0.15 micrograms intravenously, 0.80 to 0.90 micrograms through inhalation and 70 micrograms orally.

Food borne Botulism

This form of botulism occurs when food containing botulinum toxin is consumed. In conditions of environmental stress, the bacteria form spores which are resistant to cooking. Later, when they receive a favorable environment (e.g. one that has an alkaline pH and a low salt & sugar content), they produce botulinum toxin. This mostly occurs in improperly preserved foods.Symptoms appear 12 to 36 hours after eating such contaminated food.

Infant Botulism

This is the type of botulism which occurs due to colonization of the bacteria in the intestines. The bacteria produce toxins which are absorbed from the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. It most commonly occurs in infants of the ages of 2 to 3 months. This is because by that age, their normal intestinal flora have not been fully established. Normally, the intestinal flora compete with Clostrodium botulinum, preventing it from actively colonizing the intestine. Honey consumption in infants is regarded as the most common cause of infant botulism [2].
Adult form of infant botulism is termed as adult intestinal toxemia but it is exceedingly rare.

Wound Botulism

Wound botulism occurs as a result of contamination of a wound by either the bacteria or its spores. The toxin produced by them then enters the bloodstream. Nowadays, intravenous drug use is a very common cause of this form of botulism [3].

Inhalation Botulism

It is a very rare kind of botulism. Some cases have been reported due to the accidental inhalation of Clostridium botulinum spores by laboratory workers.

Globally, botulism is not a very common disease. Most of the cases are sporadic, although sometimes outbreaks have occurred in certain areas of the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Centers for Disease Control USA has documented 263 individual cases during the years 1990 to 2000; 163 of which happened to be of the food borne variety. The average number of cases of food borne botulism in the United States is estimated to be 24 cases per year - most of which occur in Alaska [1].

There are about 80 to 100 cases of infant botulism annually in United States, making it the most common form of botulism. About 20% of these occur due to the consumption of honey in children below one year of age.The largest incidence of infant botulism has been found to be in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.

Wound botulism occurs due to trauma and its incidence is on the rise since 1990s due to increased use of intravenous drugs and skin popping.

The bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces eight types of toxins (A, B, C1, C2, D, E, F, and G). These toxins are serologically different but produce similar symptoms in the patients. The toxin types A, B and E cause disease in humans.

In all forms of botulism the toxin affects the nervous system. Once it is absorbed in the bloodstream it is carried to the peripheral cholinergic synapses specially that of the neuromuscular junctions where it inhibits the release of acetylcholine from the nerve terminals by irreversibly binding to the acetylcholine receptors.

This neurotransmitter produces a bridge between synapses where dendrites and axons connect with each other. The toxin enzymatically blocks acetylcholine release from the motor nerve endings which results in paralysis.

There are no guidelines for prevention of Botulism.

Botulism is a rare but potentially lethal condition caused by a spore-producing gram positive bacterium Clostridium botulinum that naturally occurs in the soil. The organism produces botulinum toxin which causes neuromuscular flaccid paralysis.

Depending upon the route of entry of the bacteria or its toxin, botulism can be divided into several types; namely food-borne botulism, infant botulism, wound botulism, and the less common, inhalation botulism.

The disease begins with fatigue, blurring of vision and diplopia followed by the weakness of motor function throughout the body and difficulty in breathing.

If diagnosed early, it can be treated by providing passive immunity, although complete recovery may take weeks to months.

Botulism is a rare but fatal disease caused by a bacterium that is normally found in the soil. It is characterized by paralysis of the muscles of the face, arms, legs and chest (including the muscles required for breathing).

It usually results from eating food that is contaminated with the toxin. This condition is treated by the injection of appropriate antitoxins. In cases that are diagnosed early, the prognosis is quite good.

1. Shaffer N, Wainwright, RB, Middaugh, JP, et al. Botulism among Alaska Natives. The role of changing food preparation and consumption practices. West J Med. 1990;153(4):393-393.
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