In the case of a diagnosis or suspicion of botulism, patients should be hospitalized immediately, even if the diagnosis and/or tests are pending. If botulism is suspected, patients should be treated immediately with antitoxin therapy in order to reduce mortality. Immediate intubation is also highly recommended, as respiratory failure is the primary cause of death from botulism. In Canada, there are currently only 3 antitoxin therapies available, which are accessible through Health Canada Special Access Program (SAP). The 3 types of antitoxin therapies are: 1) GlaxoSmithKline trivalent Types ABE, 2) NP-018 (heptavalent) Types A to G, and 3) BabyBIG®, Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (BIG-IV) for pediatric patients under the age of one year. Outcomes vary between one and three months, but with prompt interventions, mortality from botulism ranges from less than 5 percent to 8 percent.
Clostridium botulinum
Clostridium tetani
Clostridium perfringens
Clostridium innocuum
Neisseria mucosa
Pasteurella
Prevotella bivia
Clostridium ramosum