Botulism.
ICD-10 A77.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of botulism..
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This toxin affects the nervous system, leading to muscle paralysis. The condition can arise from various sources, including foodborne botulism, which is the most common form, occurring from the ingestion of improperly canned or preserved foods containing the toxin. Wound botulism can occur when the bacteria enter the body through a wound, while infant botulism is associated with the ingestion of spores, often found in honey, which then produce the toxin in the intestines of infants. Symptoms typically begin with weakness, dizziness, and double vision, progressing to paralysis. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by laboratory tests to detect the toxin in serum, stool, or food samples. Treatment involves antitoxin administration and supportive care, as the recovery can be prolonged. Understanding the transmission routes and clinical manifestations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Detailed history of exposure, clinical symptoms, and laboratory results.
Patients presenting with neurological symptoms after food consumption or wound infection.
Consideration of differential diagnoses and the need for timely intervention.
Neurological examination findings and progression of symptoms.
Patients with acute onset of weakness and cranial nerve deficits.
Differentiating from other causes of acute flaccid paralysis.
Used for administering antitoxin in severe cases.
Document the indication for infusion and patient response.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure proper monitoring during infusion.
Common sources include improperly canned foods, fermented fish, and honey in infants. Wound botulism can occur from contaminated wounds.
