Botulinum Toxin—Biological Weapon
by
Michael Jubinville, MPH DefinitionBotulinum toxin is the most toxic substance known to man. Even a small amount is deadly. A certain bacteria makes the toxin. It has the potential to be used as a weapon. When used as a weapon, the toxin can be released into the air or placed in the food supply. The toxin can be used to treat other health conditions. CausesBotulinum toxin poses a great threat. It’s easy to make and move around. Only 1 gram that’s evenly released and breathed in could kill 1 million people. US troops get a botulinum toxoid vaccine. This protects them from disease. This makes it harder to use as a weapon against a military enemy. Botulinum toxin doesn’t have any color or odor. The toxin can’t be passed between people.
Risk FactorsYour chances of botulism are higher if you had:
SymptomsSymptoms from an attack would start within 12-72 hours. A food attack could start problems within 2 hours or as long as 8 days after eating the toxin. The seriousness of the illness depend on how much got into your body. Common problems:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. The answers and a physical exam may point to botulism. You may also have:
Public health officials will work quickly to find the source to set up testing and care. TreatmentCare will start right away, even if your test results aren’t ready. This may involve:
PreventionThe vaccine is given to those who work in a lab or in the military. The antitoxin would likely be given first to those with signs of illness. An attack would be likely to happen without warning. This makes it hard to prevent illness. If something happens, you may be able to cover your mouth and nose with clothing or a towel. This may offer some defense. RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov Food Safety—US Department of Health and Human Services http://www.foodsafety.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education http://www.canfightbac.org Public Health Agency of Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Arnon SS, Schechter R, Inglesby TV. Consensus statement: botulinum toxin as a biological weapon: medical and public health management.
JAMA. 2001;285(8):1059-1070. Botulism.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/botulism.
Updated October 25, 2017. Accessed July 18, 2018. Last reviewed May 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 7/18/2018 |
|
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |