Botulinum Toxin; Bioterror and Biomedicinal Agent

  • Jiri Patocka University of South Bohemia, Ceské Budejovice
  • Kamil Kuca University of Defence, Hradec Kralove
  • Daniel Jun University of Defence, Hradec Kralove
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.56.1882
Keywords: Botulinum toxin, neurotoxin, Clostridium botulinum, biological weapon, terrorism, biological warfare, botulism, neuromuscular disorder

Abstract

Botulinum toxin is a group of seven homologous, highly poisonous proteins isolated from
fermentation of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which naturally occurs in soil
and can grow on many meats and vegetables. Botulinum toxin causes neuromuscular disorder
called botulism, which is a potentially lethal disease. There are three types of botulism: Food,
wound, and infant botulism. It can lead to death unless appropriate therapy is done. Due to the
severity and potency of botulinum toxin, its importance as a biological weapon is of major
concern to public health officials. Nevertheless, botulinum toxin is also medicament.
Published
2006-04-01
How to Cite
Patocka, J., Kuca, K., & Jun, D. (2006). Botulinum Toxin; Bioterror and Biomedicinal Agent. Defence Science Journal, 56(2), 189-197. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.56.1882
Issue
Vol 56 No 2
Section
Biomedical Sciences
Copyright (c) 2016 Defence Science Journal

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