Botulism 101: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Treatment, And Prevention

Diagnosis

A lab result is needed to confirm the presence of botulism. Infant botulism is determined by testing a stool or enema specimen. Diagnostic tests for other types of botulism include a brain scan, examination of cerebrospinal fluid, electromyography, and an edrophonium chloride test for myasthenia gravis. As some of the symptoms of botulism are similar to other conditions, a medical professional may use multiple tests to rule out other conditions, particularly if they are considered more common than botulism, which they often are. In some cases, a blood test may be used to determine very acute cases of botulism.

Treatment

If a medical professional suspects infant botulism, the baby may be treated immediately without confirmation of the test results. Immediate hospitalization is required in most cases. Babies will be given Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous-Human, also known as BIG-V or BabyBIG. Adults with respiratory problems will be put on a ventilator along with intensive nursing to improve paralysis. Any patient doctors suspect may be suffering from botulism will typically be given injections of antitoxins. Patients with wound botulism will be prescribed antibiotics and the area surrounding the wound will be removed.