|
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e
| Part 8. Infectious Diseases > Section 5. Diseases Caused by Gram-Positive Bacteria > |
Chapter 141. Botulism
Sections: Botulism: Introduction, Further Readings.
Topics Discussed: botulism.
Excerpt:"Botulinum toxin is the most toxic substance known. Botulism, a rare disease, occurs naturally as four syndromes: (1) food-borne illness due to ingestion of toxin in contaminated food; (2) wound infection due to wound colonization by toxigenic clostridia with in situ toxin production; (3) infant botulism due to colonization of the infant intestine by toxigenic clostridia with in situ toxin production; and (4) adult intestinal toxemia, a rare form of colonization with similarities to infant botulism. In addition to these recognized natural forms, botulism has been reported in association with injections of botulinum toxin for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes and after inhalation of aerosolized botulinum toxin. Botulism is caused by the toxin's inhibition of acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction through an enzymatic mechanism. All forms of botulism manifest as a distinct clinical syndrome of symmetric cranial nerve palsies followed by descending symmetric flaccid paralysis of voluntary muscles, which may progress to respiratory compromise and death. The mainstays of therapy are meticulous intensive care and timely treatment with antitoxin, which may limit the extent of paralysis. Rapid clinical diagnosis is critical for decisions about treatment.Botulinum..."
The content above is only an excerpt.
For full access, log into an existing user account below,
purchase an annual subscription, or
purchase a short-term subscription to the complete website.
|
|
|
|
Or
|
|
|
|