A case of foodborne botulism in the province of Viterbo

Abstract

A 57 years-old woman with gastrointestinal pain, dysphagia, diplopia, dry mouth, was diagnosed with foodborne botulism caused by Clostridium Botulinum toxin. In this case, a jar of vegetables preserved in oil was identified as the source of the intoxication. Canned peppers were produced at home by the patient according to traditional techniques, deemed appropriate as established use. Despite this, the procedure proved to be a health hazard.The present article follows the diagnostic therapeutic pathway of the patient, highlighting the critical points not only related to the clinic but also to the ministerial procedures for reporting a case of botulism. This case provides an opportunity to emphasize the need for greater awareness about how to prevent and correctly manage the cases of botulism, both by the general population and by physicians who faced a patient with suspected poisoning by Botulinum toxin.[Article in Italian]