The Open Infectious Diseases Journal
2018, 10 : 187-191Published online 2018 November 30. DOI: 10.2174/1874279301810010187
Publisher ID: TOIDJ-10-187
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Very Long Persistence of Botulinum Toxin B in a Patient’s Serum
2 Agentschap Zorg & Gezondheid (AZG), Brussels, Belgium
3 AZ Delta Hospital, Roeselare, Belgium
* Address correspondence to these authors at the Sciensano, 14, J. Wystmanstreet, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium; Tel: +3226425690; E-mail: laurence.delbrassinne@sciensano.be
ABSTRACT
Background:
Botulinum toxins (BoNT) type A, B, E, F may induce a serious neuroparalytic illness in humans. Botulism can be transmitted via three routes: foodborne, wound and intestinal (in situ toxemia generally observed in infants and/or in immunocompromised adults) botulism.
Case Report:
A case of human botulism type B due to the consumption of an imported dried ham is reported. Laboratory results confirmed the diagnosis using the mouse bioassay and the qPCR method. Botulinum toxin was still detected in the serum up to 29 days after food consumption while it was not detected anymore in the faeces.
Conclusion:
The described case highlights i) prolonged presence of BoNT B in the serum and ii) the risks related to the preparation of artisanal products as well as the importance of an efficient communication to citizens regarding preservation methods of household products.