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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
12:25
Isolation and Quantification of Botulinum Neurotoxin From Complex Matrices Using the BoTest Matrix Assays
Published on: March 3, 2014
Intestinal toxemia botulism in Italy, 1984-2005
L Fenicia1, F Anniballi, P Aureli
1National Reference Center for Botulism, National Center for Food Quality and Risk Assessment, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy. fenicia@iss.it
Summary
Intestinal toxemia botulism in Italy, unlike other countries, involved Clostridium butyricum producing type E neurotoxin and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. This study details 26 cases from 1984-2005.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Botulism is caused by botulinum neurotoxins, primarily from Clostridium botulinum.
- Intestinal toxemia botulism, a form of infective botulism, occurs when bacteria colonize the gut and produce toxins.
- This report focuses on cases in Italy between 1984 and 2005.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize microbiological, clinical, and epidemiological data of intestinal toxemia botulism in Italy.
- To highlight unique characteristics of Italian cases compared to international data.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological analysis of clinical, environmental, and food samples.
- Analysis of clinical and epidemiological data from 26 cases (23 infant, 3 adult).
Main Results:
- Two distinct features observed in Italian cases: isolation of Clostridium butyricum producing type E botulinum neurotoxin in 6 cases.
- Concomitant severe gastrointestinal symptomatology in cases involving C. butyricum.
- 1984-2005: 23 infant and 3 adult intestinal toxemia botulism cases identified in Italy.
Conclusions:
- Italian intestinal toxemia botulism cases present unique features, including C. butyricum involvement and severe GI symptoms.
- The findings suggest a distinct epidemiological profile for this condition in Italy.
- Further research into C. butyricum as a cause of botulism is warranted.
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