Botulism and Diagnostic Approach

Summary Clostridium botulinum which causes botulism, a neuroparalytic disease, attracts attention recently because of having an important role on classification of biological warfare agents. The diagnosis of botulism is not possible with routine laboratory tests. Culture from stool and food samples or toxin detection from the same samples and sera are preferable procedures. Early diagnosis and supportive treatment are important. Botulism is a notice required disease and its neurological signs are regressive after recovery.This agent which has a much lethal toxin must be considered important and the employee must comply with the biosafety measures during laboratory testing. Key words: Clostridium botulinum; Botulism; Bacteria, anaerobic; Diagnosis