Botulinum antitoxin

Botulinum antitoxin is a biological therapeutic consisting of neutralizing antibodies, typically equine-derived, used for the treatment of botulism. It provides passive immunity by binding to circulating botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) produced by *Clostridium botulinum*, thereby preventing the toxins from entering presynaptic nerve terminals and causing further neuromuscular blockade. This intervention is critical in managing outbreaks of foodborne botulism, such as the 2006 incident in Northern Thailand involving contaminated bamboo shoots, where it was used to treat patients with severe symptoms including respiratory failure. The antitoxin is most effective when administered early in the course of the illness to halt the progression of paralysis.

Other names

Botulinum anti-toxinBotulism antitoxinEquine botulinum antitoxin