FDA-approved drug 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) used to treat neuromuscular weakness counters as a potential treatment for botulism.
Botulism - New Findings
The deliberate misuse aspect of the toxin is what drives the WFIRM researchers and their work to find a treatment. Currently, the only specific treatment for Botulism is early administration with antitoxin. However, antitoxin is only effective if administered before prior Botulism symptoms are evident. Once symptoms emerge, three out of four patients require long-term artificial ventilation for survival.
Botulism - Causes, Types, Clinical Features, Management & Prevention
Botulism is a rare but potentially lethal illness caused by botulinum neurotoxin released by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum into contaminated food, or wounds. The bacteria thrive in certain foods, wounds, and in the soil.
Botulism is a rare but potentially lethal illness caused by botulinum neurotoxin released by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum into contaminated food, or wounds. The bacteria thrive in certain foods, wounds, and in the soil.
‘Acetylcholine is the chief chemical messenger of the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the autonomic nervous system that contracts smooth muscles, dilates blood vessels, and slows heart rate.’
“Despite decades of effort, there are no antidotes for the life-threatening consequences of Botulism. This failure is primarily because the toxin hides within the nerve terminal, where it poses a challenging target for delivery of therapeutic molecules,” said corresponding author of the paper Patrick McNutt, PhD, who leads this research effort at WFIRM. The researchers build on their previous work to show that administration of the FDA-approved drug 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) reverses Botulism symptoms in a pre-clinical model. The drug is an approved treatment for Lambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome, an autoimmune disease caused by reduced acetylcholine release and neuromuscular weakness. Botulism paralysis is caused by reduction of acetylcholine release from motor nerve terminals to subthreshold levels required for muscle contraction.
For this study, recently published in Molecular Medicine, the researchers developed a continuous 3,4-DAP infusion model and measured dose-dependent effects on toxic signs and survival after a lethal dose of Botulinum neurotoxin. They found that continuous infusion with the drug produces rapid and sustained therapeutic benefits while survival requires continuous infusion for longer than four days.
Exported Dairy Products Could be Contaminated With Botulism Causing Bacteria, Kiwi Authorities Warn
Dairy products, including infant formula, exported from New Zealand could be contaminated with bacteria that can cause botulism, health authorities in the country said.
Dairy products, including infant formula, exported from New Zealand could be contaminated with bacteria that can cause botulism, health authorities in the country said.
Source-Eurekalert
Role of Engineered Botulism Toxins in Medicine
Scientists are reporting that the most poisonous substance on Earth could be re-engineered for an expanded role in helping millions of people with rheumatoid arthritis
Scientists are reporting that the most poisonous substance on Earth could be re-engineered for an expanded role in helping millions of people with rheumatoid arthritis
To Avoid Infant Botulism Don't Give Honey to Children Below 1year
To avoid infant botulism children below one year of age should not be fed honey, says Health Canada.
To avoid infant botulism children below one year of age should not be fed honey, says Health Canada.
