Where is Botulinum Toxin found?
Botulinum Toxin is a biological toxin found on plants, in soil, and unsanitary water.
Target
Mechanism of Action
This toxin is considered a "blocking agent" due to its ability to block the release of certain neurotransmitters, eventually causing paralysis.
Route of Entry
This toxin can enter the body through ingestion of contaminated foods, or infected wounds.
Acute or Chronic?
Botulinum Toxin is considered acute.
Lethal human dose:
1.2-2.1 ng/kg intravenously
10-13 ng/kg when inhaledS
Lethal human dose:
1.2-2.1 ng/kg intravenously
10-13 ng/kg when inhaledS
Symptoms
Nausea General weakness
Vomiting Breathing difficulty
Blurry vision Paralysis of eyes
Speech difficulty
Vomiting Breathing difficulty
Blurry vision Paralysis of eyes
Speech difficulty
Treatments/Anecdotes
If infected with botulinum toxin, one should administer anti toxin immediately. The aftermath may also require mechanical ventilation.
Vaccinations do exist, but once you have been infected, it's too late for a vaccination.
Vaccinations do exist, but once you have been infected, it's too late for a vaccination.
Case Study
Victim: 63 year old woman
When: 2006
Where: Ontario, Canada
Exposure: Eating from an opened jar of peanut butter
Symptoms: Blurred vision, diarrhea, dysphagia, imbalance, weakness, respiratory arrest
Outcome: The woman was hospitalized for 6 months. Once the sedation wore off she experienced spastic-like movements. She was able to start walking again once she was discharged.
Accidental or Intentional: AccidentalB
When: 2006
Where: Ontario, Canada
Exposure: Eating from an opened jar of peanut butter
Symptoms: Blurred vision, diarrhea, dysphagia, imbalance, weakness, respiratory arrest
Outcome: The woman was hospitalized for 6 months. Once the sedation wore off she experienced spastic-like movements. She was able to start walking again once she was discharged.
Accidental or Intentional: AccidentalB
Botulinum Toxin used in Botox?!!
![Picture](/uploads/3/0/3/8/30387009/6671898_orig.jpg)
Botulinum Toxin type A is used in botox to paralyze the muscles in a specific region