NCJ Number
193928
Date Published
2000
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This fact sheet presented a brief description and history of the potential bioweapons threat of botulinum toxin.
Abstract
Due to its extreme potency and lethality, ease of production, transport and misuse, botulinum toxin had presented itself as a major bioweapons threat. Botulism, a naturally occurring disease results from the absorption of botulinum toxin into the circulation. However, the U.S. State Department has identified several states as state sponsors of terrorism. are currently developing botulinum toxin for use as a biological weapon. The potential for waterborne botulism is seen as unlikely due to the extreme amount of toxin needed and due to its neutralization by current water treatment techniques. The standard testing for botulinum toxin, mouse bioassay, is seen as time consuming with recommendations for the development of rapid diagnosis and detection. Future detection methods under development include Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays and Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assays (ELISAs). If there is suspicion of botulinum toxin, treatment with antitoxin, available from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) should not be delayed. In the event botulism is suspected, the hospital epidemiologist and local and State health departments should be contacted immediately.