How would botulism be used as a weapon?

How would botulism be used as a weapon?

Botulinum neurotoxin poses a major bioweapon threat because of its extreme potency and lethality; its ease of production, transport, and misuse; and the need for prolonged intensive care among affected persons. A single gram of crystalline toxin, evenly dispersed and inhaled, can kill more than one million people.

When has botulism been used as a biological weapon?

In 1925, the Geneva protocol prohibited the first use of chemical and biological weapons in armed conflicts but placed no constraints on research and production. At that time, botulinum toxin was not yet regarded as a potential weapon, but in the 1930s, several countries progressively developed research on this issue.

What disinfectant kills botulism?

Botulinum can also be inactivated by 0.1% sodium hypochlorite, 0.1N NaOH, heating to 80°C for 30 minutes or 100°C for 10 minutes. Chlorine and other disinfectants can destroy the toxins in water.

Is botulism a weapon of mass destruction?

Indeed, botulinum toxin became iconic in modern times as one of Iraq’s supposed weapons of mass destruction. Botulinum toxins reduce the presynaptic outflow of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby reducing and ultimately totally blocking muscle contraction.

Is Botulinum a nerve agent?

The bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces a nerve toxin that causes the rare but serious paralytic illness botulism. The seven types of botulism toxin are designated by the letters A–G; only types A, B, E, and F cause illness in humans.

What is a toxin weapon?

A Mass Casualty Biological (toxin) Weapon (MCBW) is any toxin weapon capable of causing death or disease on a large scale, such that the military or civilian infrastructure of the state or organization being attacked is overwhelmed.

Why is botulism considered a biological weapon?

Botulinum toxins pose a major threat as biological weapons because they are extremely potent and lethal; some of the toxins are relatively easy to produce and transport; and people with botulism require prolonged intensive hospital care. Unless otherwise noted, all information presented in this article is derived from the following 2 sources:

What are the most common types of botulism?

Three kinds of botulism are the most common: Foodborne botulism happens when people eat contaminated foods that already contain the toxin. Incorrectly processed food may allow the bacteria to grow which then releases the toxin into the food. Home-canned or improperly canned store-bought foods are common sources of foodborne botulism.

How do doctors treat botulism toxins?

Doctors use a variety of treatments to remove botulism toxins from the body. In the most common treatment, a doctor provides a medication called antitoxin. This medication contains antibodies which attach and neutralize the toxin which stops the toxin’s effects in the body.

Is there an antitoxin for Type H botulism?

In 2003, the FDA approved human botulinum immune globulin (BabyBIG) for the treatment of infant botulism. There is no antitoxin, to date, for type H botulism. Because testing for botulinum toxin is time consuming, future development is focused on rapid diagnosis/detection.