Fitzgerald, S and Lyons, R and Ryan, Jim and Hall, WW and Gallagher, C (2003) Botulism as a cause of respiratory failure in injecting drug users. Irish Journal of Medical Science, 172, (3), pp. 143-144. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02914502.
Background: Wound botulism occurs as a consequence of inoculation of Clostridium botulinum spores into a wound.
Aim: To describe such a case of wound botulism.
Results: A 23-year-old drug-injecting user presented with bulbar symptoms and progressive signs over a three-day period. The diagnosis of botulism was suspected and was treated with large doses of penicillin and botulinum antitoxin. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of serum botulinum toxin A.
Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of the association of botulism in injecting drug users, particularly in Ireland.
G Health and disease > State of health > Physical health
G Health and disease > Disease by cause (Aetiology) > Communicable / infectious disease > Bacterial disease / infection
G Health and disease > Respiratory / lung disease
T Demographic characteristics > Young adult
T Demographic characteristics > Person who injects drugs (Intravenous / injecting)
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
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