Abstract

Botulism remains infrequent but is widely feared because it can be severe and is potentially lethal. Foodborne botulism results from contaminated foodstuffs in whichClostridium botulinum spores have been allowed to germinate in anaerobic conditions. This typically occurs in home-canned food substances and fermented uncooked dishes. We present an outbreak of type E botulism in China. The diagnosis was based on the patient's rapid deterioration and presentation of descending paralysis and was confirmed by laboratory findings. The patient did not received antitoxin administration because of delayed diagnosis. We report this case to alert clinicians to the possibility of major clinical diagnosis, adequate treatment without antitoxin can lead to successful management of mild cases in botulism.

Key words: Foodborne botulism, Clostridium botulinum, Type E, crude beef, case report.