Botulinum Neurotoxin and Advancements on Its Detective Method

Botulinum neurotoxin is a type of neural paralysis toxin of great toxicity known to science and it can cause botulism both in humans and animals.Because of its simple production and potent toxicity,it has been regarded as an inspiration for bioterrorists and it is also the most important toxic warfare agent.The infective dose is rather low and humans are not protected from the toxin.Seri- ous patients may die within 2 to 3 days after botulism.If timely and correct treatment is taken,the mortality will be decreased and the de- velopment of rapid detective methods is thereby the prerequisite to successful treatment.For this reason,the detective method of bo- tulinum neurotoxin is always the focus of toxin field.The review makes a general description of botulinum neurotoxin and advances on its detective method.