Botulism: An update.

ABSTRACT

Botulism is a paralytic illness caused by the action of a neurotoxin elaborated by Clostridium botulinum. Other clostridial bacteria, like C.butyricum and C.baratii can also produce the toxin leading to signs and symptoms of botulism. Though rare, the illness is potentially fatal and can masquerade as other illnesses making diagnosis difficult. Physicians need to familiarize themselves with the disease as prompt recognition and early treatment can considerably curtail the fatal outcome in the affected and prevent additional cases in the unaffected. New diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive modalities to tackle the disease have come into focus. Botulinum toxin, generally considered a potent poison, is successfully being used for treatment of various neuromuscular disorders representing one of the most dramatic role reversals of modern times.