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Evaluation of botulinum antitoxin, supportive therapy, and artificial respiration in monkeys with experimental botulism
Author(s) -
Oberst Fred W.,
Crook James W.,
Cresthull Paul,
House Michael J.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.941
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1532-6535
pISSN - 0009-9236
DOI - 10.1002/cpt196892209
Subject(s) - antitoxin , botulism , medicine , artificial respiration , paralysis , respiratory system , supportive psychotherapy , respiration , anesthesia , toxin , surgery , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy
A diagnosis for botulism in man probably would not be made until after signs and symptoms developed. In this study the critical time for initiation of treatment was emphasized. Rhesus monkeys were given 2.5 to 5 LD 50 of botulinum toxin, type A, intravenously. As soon as toxic signs were observed, therapy was initiated. Some animals received bivalent botulinum antitoxin, types A and B, 1,000 to 2,700 U., with and without supportive treatment of liquid foods, vitamins, and antibiotics during the period of aphagia. Others also received artificial respiration (AR) and antitoxin only when respiration became inadequate. All untreated monkeys died. Antitoxin administered soon after the appearance of the very first toxic signs resulted in complete recovery in 8 out of 10 animals with supportive treatment but only 1 out of 6 when no supportive treatment was given. In monkeys with respiratory paralysis, treatment with AR and antitoxin prolonged life. Continued long‐term AR, however, may cause irreversible lung damage. It is concluded that treatment is useful even after toxic signs and respiratory paralysis occur.