Is botulism a potential bioterrorism agent?
Yes. Clostridium botulinum, the anerobic bacteria involved, produces botulinum toxin, which could be distributed in aerosol form and by food contamination. The toxin first attacks the cranial nerves, followed by skeletal muscle paralysis that descends down the body within 12 to 73 hours of exposure. Respiratory failure quickly follows. If the contamination is food borne, the symptoms may include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The toxin, when introduced in food or drink, can be inactivated by heating it to 85 degrees Centigrade for at least five minutes. There is no generally available vaccine to prevent infection, but antitoxins for the various forms of botulism, prepared from horse serum, are available. These are is available in single-dose, 10-milliliter vials that are diluted before being given intravenously. Some patients have allergic reactions that can be life threatening. An experimental human antitoxin has been used in infants. Q: What about viruses such as Eb
