Two simultaneous botulism outbreaks in Barcelona: Clostridium baratii and Clostridium botulinum

Epidemiol Infect. 2013 Sep;141(9):1993-5. doi: 10.1017/S0950268812002592. Epub 2012 Nov 19.

Abstract

Botulism is a severe neuroparalytic disorder that can be potentially life-threatening. In Barcelona, Spain, no outbreaks had been reported in the past 25 years. However, in September 2011, two outbreaks occurred involving two different families. A rare case of Clostridium baratii which produced a neurotoxin F outbreak was detected in five family members who had shared lunch, and several days before that another family was affected by C. botulinum toxin A which was probably present in homemade pâté.

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins / analysis
  • Botulism / epidemiology*
  • Clostridium / classification*
  • Clostridium / isolation & purification*
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Spain / epidemiology

Substances

  • Botulinum Toxins