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File: 121096_sep96_decls39_0009.txt
Subject: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF EXOTIC DISHES
Unit: OTSG
Parent Organization: HSC
Box ID: BX003203
Folder Title: DIAGNOSOS AND TREATMENT OF EXOTIC DISEASES
Document Number: 1
Folder Seq #: 180
BOT-ULLSM
A. CLIMCAL SYNDROME
Botulism is caused by intoxication with the neurotoxin produced I
Clostridium botulinuln. The toxin is a protein with molecular weight o@
approximately 150,000 which binds to the presynaptic membrane of net t
peripheral cholinergic synapses to prevent release of acetylcholine and t
neurotransmission. The blockade is most evident clinically in the cholij
autonomic nervous system and at the neuromil-cular junction.
A biowarfare attack with botulinum toxin delivered by aerosol to
respiratory tract would be expected to cause symptoms similar in most i i
to those observed with foodbome botulism.
Clinical Featurgs:
Symptoms of botulism may begin as early as 3 to 36 hours follo,%
exposure, or as late as several days. Initial symptoms include generaliz
weakness, lassitude, and dizziness. Diminished salivation with extreme s
of the mouth and throat may cause complaints of a sore throat. Urinary
retention or ileus may also occur. Motor symptoms usually are present n
disease; cranial nerves are affected first with blurred vision, diplopia, pi
and photophabia. Bulbar nerve dysfunction causes dysarthria, dysphoni;
dysphagia. This is followed by a symmetrical, descending, progressive
weakness of the extremities along with weakness of the respiratory musc
Development of respiratory failure may be abrupt.
On physical examination, the patient is alert, oriented, and afebril4
Postural hypotension may be present. Ocular findings may include ptosi
extraocular muscle paralysis, and fixed and dilated pupils. Mucous men
of the mouth may be dry and crusted. Neurologic examination shows fi@
9
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Document 24 f:/Week-36/BX003203/DIAGNOSOS AND TREATMENT OF EXOTIC DISEASES/diagnosis and treatment of exotic dishes:12069615360440
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-36
Box ID = BX003203
Unit = OTSG
Parent Organization = HSC
Folder Title = DIAGNOSOS AND TREATMENT OF EXOTIC DISEASES
Folder Seq # = 180
Subject = DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF EXOTIC DISHES
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 = 06-DEC-1996