طغيان بوتوليسم به دنبال مراسم عروسي در حومه مشهد

A Botulism outbreak following a wedding in a suburban area of Mashhad, 2006

Background and Aim: Botulism is an uncommon disease which induces symmetrical cranial nerve palsies followed by descending, symmetric flaccid paralysis of voluntary muscles, which may end in respiratory failure and death. In September 2006, following a wedding ceremony, which was held at a distance of 80 km southeast of Mashhad, a group of guests used a wide variety of home-made canned food. Materials and Methods: All symptoms and signs of the patients referred to Toxicology Outpatient Clinic and Toxicology Ward of Mashhad Imam Reza Hospital were recorded as a daily routine from September 17th to October 3rd, 2006. Diagnosis was made with regard to exposure, clinical findings and response to antidotes. Results: Mean age of 23 patients with botulism was 39.5±17 yrs; the youngest case was 14 years old and the oldest was 60. On admission, vital sings of the cases were normal. All patients, but one (due to hypersensitivity), received antidote and all patients recovered. Conclusion: The frequency of symptoms is different in various outbreaks. The results of this study can be used for differentiation of clinical findings and surveillance within local health systems.