Botulin toxin: a weapon in terrorism.
Clostridium botulinum, the causative agent of botulism is an anaerobic, spore forming gram-positive bacillus. C. botulinum causes three types of botulism; foodborne botulism, wound botulism, and infant botulism. Most strains of the bacterium produce a potent, muscle-paralyzing neurotoxin. Respiratory failure secondary to paralysis of the respiratory muscles can lead to death unless appropriate therapy is promptly initiated. Due to the severity and potency of this neurotoxin, its importance as a biological weapon is of major concern to public health officials.
Josko
Deborah
D
School of Health Related Professions, Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07107, USA. joskotda@umdnj.edu
D023482:Bioterrorism; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001906:Botulism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D003264:Containment of Biohazards; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012449:Safety; D013048:Specimen Handling; D014481:United States
D001905:Botulinum Toxins