Botulism (Clostridium botulinum)
1990 Case Definition
1990 Case Definition
Subtype(s)
- Botulism, foodborne
- Botulism, infant
- Botulism, wound
- Botulism, other
Subtype(s) Case Definition
Clinical Description
Ingestion of botulinal toxin results in an illness of variable severity. Common symptoms are diplopia, blurred vision, and bulbar weakness. Symmetric paralysis may progress rapidly.
Laboratory Criteria For Diagnosis
- Detection of botulinal toxin in serum, stool, or patient's food, OR
- Isolation of Clostridium botulinum from stool
Case Classification
Confirmed
A clinically compatible illness that is laboratory confirmed or that occurs among persons who ate the same food as persons with laboratory-confirmed botulism
Comments
Botulism may be diagnosed without laboratory confirmation if the clinical and epidemiologic evidence is overwhelming.
Clinical Description
An illness of infants, characterized by constipation, poor feeding, and "failure to thrive" that may be followed by progressive weakness, impaired respiration, and death.
Laboratory Criteria For Diagnosis
- Detection of botulinal toxin in stool, OR
- Isolation of Clostridium botulinum from stool
Case Classification
Confirmed
A clinically compatible, laboratory-confirmed illness occurring among children less than 1 year of age
Clinical Description
An illness resulting from toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum that has infected a wound.
Laboratory Criteria For Diagnosis
- Detection of botulinal toxin in serum, OR
- Isolation of Clostridium botulinum from wound
Case Classification
Confirmed
A clinically compatible illness that is laboratory confirmed among patients with no suspect food exposure and with a history of a fresh, contaminated wound in the 2 weeks before onset of symptoms
Clinical Description
See Botulism, foodborne.
Laboratory Criteria For Diagnosis
- Detection of botulinal toxin in clinical specimen, OR
- Isolation of Clostridium botulinum from clinical specimen
Case Classification
Confirmed
An illness clinically compatible with botulism that is laboratory confirmed among patients greater than 11 months of age, without histories of ingestion of suspect food, and without wounds