Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Isolation and Quantification of Botulinum Neurotoxin From Complex Matrices Using the BoTest Matrix Assays
Published on: March 3, 2014
False-Positive Serum Botulism Bioassay in Miller-Fisher Syndrome.
Yuriy Zeylikman1, Vishal Shah, Umang Shah
1*Department of Neurology, Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC; †Department of Neurology, State University of New York/Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY; ‡Department of Neurology, Aurora Neuroscience Innovation Institute, St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI; and §Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ.
This case highlights a patient with acute neuromuscular weakness initially suspected to be botulism or Miller-Fisher syndrome. Despite a positive botulinum toxin assay, clinical and diagnostic findings strongly supported Miller-Fisher syndrome, revealing diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Acute neuromuscular weakness presents diagnostic challenges, with botulism and Guillain-Barré syndrome variants being key considerations.
- Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome characterized by ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia.
