Foodborne botulism associated with home-preserved turnip tops in Italy

Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2015;51(1):60-1. doi: 10.4415/ANN_15_01_10.

Abstract

In Italy, foodborne botulism is a rare disease mainly due to home-preserved food. In the case reported here, clinical diagnosis was performed on the basis of clinical signs and referred consumption of home-preserved turnip tops in oil. Definitive diagnosis was performed by detection of botulinum toxin in sera and neuro-toxigenic organisms in stools and leftover food. This case report highlights the need of a high medical awareness, prompt clinical diagnosis, and synergic collaboration among the health authorities for a correct management of botulism as well as disease containment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antitoxins / therapeutic use
  • Botulinum Toxins / blood
  • Botulism / diagnosis
  • Botulism / etiology*
  • Botulism / therapy
  • Brassica napus*
  • Food Contamination
  • Food Preservation*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Oils
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antitoxins
  • Oils
  • Botulinum Toxins