Cures for Botulism

MedicineNet defines botulism as "a serious illness that causes flaccid paralysis of muscles. It is caused by a neurotoxin, generically called botulinum toxin, that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum." Botulism comes in three forms: food borne, wound borne and infant borne. MedicineNet continues, saying "botulinum neurotoxin is considered one of the most potent, lethal substances known. As little as about one nanogram/kg can be lethal to an individual, and scientists have estimated that about one gram could potentially kill 1 million people." Luckily, this serious condition is treatable.

Antitoxins

• If caught early, an antitoxin can be used to treat early symptoms of botulism. This equine antitoxin blocks the botulism from circulating throughout the body and will stop the bacteria from affecting and paralyzing more muscles. Using this antitoxin will stop the situation from worsening. It will still take several weeks for this therapy to work. It is best to attempt this therapy as it is the least invasive.

Removal

• Sometimes it is necessary to remove the source of the bacterial infection. Surgery will be used if the disease has progressed too far to use the antitoxin, or if the antitoxin is ineffective. Wound-borne bacteria will be removed by cutting off the infected areas of the skin. This technique isn't perfect and is incredibly invasive, but sometimes it is the only treatment available. Food-borne bacteria will usually be removed via inducing vomiting and the use of enemas. This will hopefully purge the body of any infected food and minimize the infection.

Breathing Machine

• When botulism is too severe, it can cause respiratory failure. When this occurs, a breathing machine will be necessary. A breathing machine will help keep the patient alive while they receive intensive medical and nursing care. Patients generally improve over a several-week period while on a breathing machine. Eventually, they can be taken off of it and can try to live a normal life again.