%0 Journal Article %J The Open Infectious Diseases Journal %D 2018 %T Very Long Persistence of Botulinum Toxin B in a Patient’s Serum %A Laurence Delbrassinne %A Valeska Laisnez %A Mieke De Weweire %A Jean Vanderpas %A Katelijne Dierick %A Sarah Denayer %K Bioassay %K BoNT %K Botulinum neurotoxins %K Botulism %K Clostridium botulinum %K Immunocompromised %X
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.
%B The Open Infectious Diseases Journal %V 10 %8 2018 %G eng %N 1 %& 187 %R 10.2174/1874279301810010187