Case of the Month #10 - botulism

Published 03/02/2022

What is the treatment of botulism?

  • Supportive care
  • Treatment with Penicillin G is recommended for wound botulism. 
  • Antitoxin can reduce severity of symptoms if given early, but will not reverse paralysis. 
  • A Forced Vital Capacity of below 12ml/kg has been suggested as an indication for mechanical ventilation. 
  • If possible, the diagnosis should be confirmed via isolation of the toxin or by culture of C. botulinum
  • Early input from microbiology and infectious disease specialists is recommended.