Tétanos y botulismo

Botulism is caused by a thermolabile neurotoxin resulting in flaccid paralysis and respiratory failure, with an observed mortality of 5-10%. There are eight different toxins (A-H) produced by several Clostridium specie, responsible for botulism. Infection can occur following food poisoning with preformed toxin (food-borne botulism), by ingestion of food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores (infant botulism), by wound contamination or bacteria inhalation if used as a bioweapon. Early respiratory and airway support must be established together with additional measures (antitoxin and antibiotic).