BOTULINAL TOXIN

Caption _________ This is what the Botulinal Toxin looks like when magnified

BOTULINAL TOXINS

Botulinal Toxins are produced by a microscopic organism Clostridium botulinum. A deadly poison even in small doses (0.02mg can kill a full grown adult), it can be absorbed through the skin, lungs, eyes and mucous membranes. The poison occurs in the soil and naturally in low acid foods. It can be distributed through aerosol methods, water and food.

BT is an efficient killer, with a fatality rate of about 60-70%. The initial symptoms are dizziness and general weakness, appearing within 6-48 hours of contact, followed by disturbance in vision, difficulty in swallowing, breathing and speaking. Frothing is also common. There is little pain except for headaches. The victim remains mentally alert but is physically paralyzed. An untreated victim would go into convulsions and die within 2 to 10 days. The poison inhibits the release of acetylcholine, causing the victim to suffer paralysis.

 

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