Botulism

The monograph discusses etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical course, treatment, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and prevention of botulism. The pathogenesis of botulism is presented in the light of current data, in connection with which the expediency of various therapeutic measures is critically reconsidered. Much attention is paid to the description of intensive care of patients with severe forms of botulism using assisted ventilation and nasotracheal intubation, as well as the causes of the most typical complications and measures for their prevention and elimination. The clinical picture is described considering the form of the disease — food, wound botulism and botulism in infants. A separate chapter is devoted to the use of botulinum neurotoxin for therapeutic and cosmetic (aesthetic) purposes, as well as possible side effects of botulinum therapy (iatrogenic botulism).