Type A and type B botulism in the North: first reported cases due to toxin other than type E in Alaskan Inuit

Botulism outbreaks shown to be due to type A and type B toxin occurred in Alaska, a region previously known for only type E botulism. The outbreak due to type A toxin involved three people, two of whom died. The outbreak due to type B toxin involved nine people, none of whom died. Both outbreaks wer...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Medical Association journal 1977-09, Vol.117 (5), p.483-489
Main Authors: Barrett, D. H, Eisenberg, M. S, Bender, T. R, Burks, J. M, Hatheway, C. L, Dowell, V. R., Jr
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Alaska
Botulism - epidemiology
Clostridium botulinum - classification
Disease Outbreaks - epidemiology
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
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Summary:Botulism outbreaks shown to be due to type A and type B toxin occurred in Alaska, a region previously known for only type E botulism. The outbreak due to type A toxin involved three people, two of whom died. The outbreak due to type B toxin involved nine people, none of whom died. Both outbreaks were in Inuit villages, and native foods were incriminated. The occurrence of these outbreaks strongly suggests that Clostridium botulinum, types A and B are indigenous to Alaska. The outbreaks underscore the need for initial treatment of patients with antitoxin that is trivalent (ABE), even in Arctic regions.
ISSN:0008-4409