title: [Botulinum toxin as a biological weapon].
abstract: Botulism is caused by botulinum neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is a flaccid paralysis in which consciousness and nociception are preserved. Natural botulism typically results from ingestion of inadequately heated or unheated vacuum-packed foods. In addition, botulinum toxin is one of the most feared biological weapons. In the diagnosis and treatment of botulism early suspicion is essential. Several coinciding or local clusters without a typical connecting source, or an uncommon type of toxin may indicate an intentionally caused epidemic.
authors.affiliation: Biologisten uhkien osaamiskeskus, CB-suojelulääketieteen ja ympäristöterveyden keskus, tutkimus- ja kehittämisosasto Puolustusvoimat, Sotilaslääketieteen Keskus.
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rossow
authors.forename: Paula M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Kinnunen
authors.forename: Simo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nikkari
mesh_terms: D054045:Biological Warfare Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000506:poisoning*; D001906:Botulism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D003014:Clostridium botulinum; D003243:Consciousness / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D059225:Nociception / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D054045:Biological Warfare Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins