Type B botulism: report on an intra-familial epidemic

Case reports, - Three cases of an outbreak of familal foodborne botulism ar e reported, The food incriminated could not be identified despite a careful investigation into the food history of the patients. The outcome was good following endotracheal ventilation and botulism antitoxin trivalent therapy , Conclusion, - In France, foodborne botulism is an uncommon public health di sease, and with a good prognosis when the diagnosis is promptly performed. The value of emergency electromyographic findings is emphasized, particular ly when the repetitive stimulation of the motor nerve shows a presynaptic b lock of neuromuscular transmission. Management depends on the symptomatolog y, and trivalent antitoxin therapy is the only specific treatment. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.