Biomedical Aspects of Botulism

Biomedical Aspects of Botulism contains the proceedings of an International Conference on the Biomedical Aspects of Botulism, held at Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland on March 16-18, 1981. Organized into eight parts, this book begins with a discussion on the structure, structure-function relationships, and oral toxicities of the various botulinal toxins. Subsequent chapters focus on the cellular and subcellular effects of this toxin; a model to account for toxin-induced blockage of transmitter release; and approaches for dealing with and utilizing the botulinal toxins. Some chapters discuss the involvement of specific bacteriophages in the toxigenicity of Clostridium botulinum, types C and D; properties and qualitative aspects of tetanus and botulinal toxins; and human and animal botulism, including infant botulism and shaker foal syndrome. Selected aspects of the development of toxoids, an insight into the anticipated development of bacterial products, and the epidemiologic characteristics of botulism in the United States are also presented. The book ends with the trends in the therapy of botulism. This volume will serve as a valuable reference to those in the fields of bacteriology, biochemistry, immunology, neurophysiology, pathology, pharmacology, and toxinology. This book will also be helpful both to physicians and veterinarians who need a single source on the biomedical aspects of botulism.

Contributors Preface I. Structure-Function Relationship Structure and Structure Function Relation of Botulinum Neurotoxins Purification and Oral Toxicities of Clostridium botulinum Progenitor Toxins II. Effects of Neurotoxin Pharmacological Studies on the Cellular and Subcellular Effects of Botulinum Toxin Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A as a Probe for Studying Neurotransmitter Release Neurophysiologic Aspects of Botulinum Poisoning Postsynaptic Effects of Botulinum Toxin at the Neuromuscular Junction III. Characterization of Toxin Production Relationship of Bacteriophages to the Toxigenicity of Clostridium botulinum and Closely Related Organisms Toxin Production and Phage in Clostridium botulinum Types C and D Fermentation Kinetics of Botulinum Toxin Production (Types A, B, and E)IV. New Concepts Botulinum A and Tetanus Toxin-Similar Actions on Transmitter Systems in Vitro Use of Crystalline Type A Botulinum Toxin in Medical Research Production of Botulinum Toxin in the GutV. Detection, Isolation, and Identification Laboratory Investigation of Human and Animal Botulism Isolation and Identification of Botulinum Toxins Using the ELISA Different Types of Clostridium botulinum (A, D, and G) Found at Autopsy in Humans: I. Isolation of the Organisms and Identification of the Toxins Physiological Characterization of Clostridium botulinum and Development of Practical Isolation and Identification ProceduresVI. Prophylaxis and Toxoid Production Bacterial Toxoids: Perspectives for the Future Clinical Evaluation of Botulinum Toxoids Production, Purification and Toxoiding of Clostridium botulinum Type A Toxin Approaches to the Prophylaxis, Immunotherapy, and Chemotherapy of Botulism VII. Epidemiology Epidemiologic Characteristics of Botulism in the United States, 1950-1979 Botulism in Alaska, 1947-1980 Clinical and Epidemiological Aspects of Botulism in Argentina Different Types of Clostridium botulinum (A, D, and G) Found at Autopsy in Humans: II. Pathological and Epidemiological Findings in Twelve Sudden and Unexpected Deaths VIII. Clinical Aspects and Treatment Current Trends in Therapy of Botulism in the United States Botulism: Clinical, Electrical, and Therapeutic Considerations Infant Botulism: Pathogenesis, Clinical Aspects, and Relation to Crib Death Current Controversies in the Management and Treatment of Infant Botulism Summary Index