Botulism dissemination

Caution Aerosol dissemination of botulism is a new and potential danger in the terrorist world of today. If aerosol dissemination is used, first responders should wear SCBA and personal protective equipment (PPE) without fail. 

Injection of botulinum toxin is a rather innovative way to control localized muscle hyperexcitability. Botulinum toxin is a purified version of the toxin that causes botulism. Systemic doses of this toxin can be extremely dangerous or fatal because botulinum toxin inhibits the release of acetylcholine from presynaptic terminals at the skeletal neuromuscular junction. Loss of presynaptic acetylcholine release results in paralysis of the muscle fiber supplied by that terminal. Systemic dissemination of botulinum toxin can therefore cause widespread paralysis, including loss of respiratory muscle function. Injection into specific muscles, however, can sequester the toxin within these muscles, thus producing localized effects that are beneficial in certain forms of muscle hyperexcitability. 

Botulism toxins can be produced and incorporated into ingredients used in feedstuffs. The use of dead rodents or other animals can serve as a substrate for Clostridium botulinum, providing anaerobic conditions. Contamination of feedstuffs with the carcasses of dead mice or other small animals could be a method of disseminating botulism toxins. For further details of botuhsm toxins, readers are referred to in Chapter 30. 

These are anthrax, smallpox, plague, botulism, tularemia, viral hemorrhagic fevers and ricin. They can disseminate and present a high risk on public health. Most of them require Level 4 Biosafety laboratories. 

---