BOTULISM – A RARE ILLNESS AND A LOT OF QUESTIONS

Abstract

Botulism is a rare but life-threatening disease caused by the toxin of the Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Nine distinct types of toxins have been identified. Types A, B and E are the most prevalent causes of the disease. Types F and H are responsible for less cases. In human subjects, the onset of the disease is characterized by descending symmetrical flaccid paralysis and vegetative disorders. The objective of the present report is to present a case of botulism. A 52-year-old male patient has been diagnosed with botulism. The diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory molecular biology methods and detection of toxin B in fecal sample. The patient's illness began with symptoms including weakness, urinary retention, weakness of the muscles of the neck and limbs, dysphagia, dysphonia, and paresis of the soft palate. Consequently, he developed ophthalmoplegic syndrome. We assumed that the poisoning was of a toxic nature, with the toxin being produced in vivo. The treatment was carried out with equine heterologous anti-botulinum serum. The patient's recovery was successful. A month after being discharged he continued to experience fatigue. Conclusion: The absence of anti-botulinum serum could compromise patient treatment and impede the efforts of the medical personnel. Botulinum toxin is extensively utilized in the treatment and alleviation of numerous diseases, as well as in esthetic dermatology. The application of botulinum toxin necessitates a degree of expertise and must be undertaken by personnel who have been adequately trained and are therefore qualified to perform the task.