RESPONSE TO THE BIOLOGICAL WARFARE BW THREAT 20 AUG 90

File: 120396_sep96_decls54_0008.txt
Page: 0008
Total Pages: 16

Subject: RESPONSE TO THE BIOLOGICAL WARFARE BW THREAT 20 AUG 90          

Unit: OTSG        

Parent Organization: HSC         

Box ID: BX003201

Folder Title: OPERATION DESERT SHIELD RESPONSE TO THE BIOLOGICAL WARFARE BW THREAT                            

Document Number:          1

Folder SEQ  #:         45








                                          BOTULINUM

                1     CLINICAL SYNDROME

                Botulism is caused by intoxication with the neurotoxin produced by
         Clostridium botulinum. The toxin is a protein with molecular weight of
         approximately 150,000 which binds to the presynaptic membrane of neurons at
         peripheral cholinergic synapses to prevent release of acetylcholine and block
         neurotransmission. The blockade is most evident clinically in cranial nerves
         and at the neuromuscular junction.
                A biowarfare attack with botulinum toxin delivered by aerosol to the
         respiratory tract would be expected to cause symptoms similar in most respects

         to those observed with foodbome botulism.
         Clinical Features: Symptoms of botulism begin from 3 to 36 hours following
         exposure. Initial symptoms include generalized weakness, lassitude, and
         dizziness. Diminished salivation with extreme dryness of the mouth and throat
         may cause complaints of a sore throat. Urinary retention may also occur.
         Neurological symptoms usually are present initially or early in disease, but may
         be delayed from hours to days, probably dependent upon the dose of toxin.
         Cranial nerves are usually affected first with symptoms of blurred vision,
         diplopia, ptosis, and photophobia. Bulbar nerve dysfunction causes dysarthria,
         dysphonia, and dysphagia. This is followed by a symmetrical, descending,
         progressive weakness of the extremities along with weakness of the respiratory
         muscles. Progression may be rapid with development of respiratory paralysis.
                On physical examination, the patient is alert, oriented, and afebrile.
         Postural hypotension may be present. Ocular findings may include ptosis,
         extraocular muscle paralysis, and fixed and dilated pupils. Mucous membranes
n shows flaccid

Document 16 f:/Week-36/BX003201/OPERATION DESERT SHIELD RESPONSE TO THE BIOLOGICAL WARFARE BW THREAT/response to the biological warfare bw threat 20 :11229616342212
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-36
Box ID = BX003201
Unit = OTSG
Parent Organization = HSC
Folder Title = OPERATION DESERT SHIELD RESPONSE TO THE BIOLOGICAL WARFARE BW THREAT
Folder Seq # = 45
Subject = RESPONSE TO THE BIOLOGICAL WARFARE BW THREAT 20
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 22-NOV-1996