Foodborne botulism outbreak with potential new management options.

OBJECTIVES

To shed some light on a potential therapeutic modality that may facilitate resolution of botulism symptoms, namely 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP).

METHODS

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, we recently encountered a foodborne botulism outbreak that, luckily, was discovered early. In Prince Sultan Military Medical city, we admitted, during a period of approximately 3 weeks, 15 probable cases, 2 of which were excluded due to more likely alternative diagnoses. We report in this case series 13 highly suspected cases of botulism that we encountered during the outbreak.

RESULTS

A total of 12 out of 13 patients required intensive care unit (ICU) admission, one of which required intubation. Symptoms included cranial nerve palsies, gastrointestinal symptoms, limb and respiratory muscle weakness. Patients showed clinical improvement when received botulinum antitoxin and 3,4-DAP if given early in the course of the disease.

CONCLUSION

Early admisntration of 3,4-DAP may facilitate recovery and prevent disease progression. Larger prospective trials should be carried out to confirm that.