Type C foodborne botulism: First clinical case report of a cluster within a family in Japan
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Foodborne botulism is a rare but potentially fatal neuroparalytic disease caused by the ingestion of food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum . Early diagnosis is challenging because its symptoms mimic those of other neuroparalytic diseases, such as Guillain–Barré and Miller–Fisher syndromes. Laboratory confirmation of botulinum toxin and antitoxin procurement can take several days. Type C botulism is extremely rare in humans, with only 15 reported cases worldwide. Case presentation Members of a family consumed expired, improperly stored, vacuum-packed chicken dishes. Four members (two adults and two children) ingested the food. The adults developed blurred vision, dysarthria, limb weakness, and respiratory distress within 24 h. Foodborne botulism was suspected based on a family cluster and shared meal history. Both adults required intubation and received antitoxins within 3 days. Following prolonged mechanical ventilation, the patients gradually improved and were discharged for rehabilitation after 2 months. The children, who were initially asymptomatic, received prophylactic antitoxins. Both children developed mild gastrointestinal symptoms and transient weakness and recovered fully within 10 days. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of type C botulinum toxin in three patients. Conclusion This report describes the first documented cluster of human type C foodborne botulism cases in Japan. Although rare in humans, type C toxin can cause severe acute neuroparalytic syndrome when contaminated food is stored improperly. The early recognition of family clustering and prompt procurement of antitoxins are essential for effective management.
Source: Medical Reports
Authors: Michito Sadohara, Hiroki Irie, Manami Kuwahara, Katsuyuki Sagishima, Hiromichi Tanaka, Kunihiko Matsui
Institutions: Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto University
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,900
OpenAlex ID: W4416262175