Accidental Botulism Caused by Consumption of Vacuum-Packaged Rabbit-Head Meat

Abstract

With the increase of sporadic cases of foodborne botulism and the occurrence of several large incidents of botulinum contamination in food, botulism has received greater attention in clinical practice. Foodborne botulinum toxin poisoning is an acute foodborne toxic disease caused by ingestion of food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum exotoxin. We present two cases of foodborne botulism affecting a mother and daughter who were admitted to our department after consumption of vacuum-packed rabbit-head meat. The time to symptom onset was less than 24 h in the daughter (aged 8 years) and 1 week for the mother (aged 45 years). The main clinical manifestations included fatigue, dizziness, diplopia, blurred vision, ptosis, dysphagia, and slurred speech. Blood samples tested positive for botulinum toxin type A. The daughter developed pneumonia and respiratory failure and required mechanical ventilation. Treatment measures included the use of botulinum antitoxin, fluid replacement, anti-infection, and nutritional nerve therapy. Two patients eventually recovered. When botulinum toxin poisoning is diagnosed, early administration of the appropriate antitoxin is paramount. When necessary, life support for severe cases can improve the success rate. Considering that these cases of botulism were caused by the consumption of vacuum-packed rabbit-head meat, we recommend enhancing public awareness of food safety.