[Diagnosis of botulism since 1995. Report of test results]

Abstract

Since 1970 our laboratory is specialized in diagnosis of clostridial diseases, including Clostridium botulinum and botulism. Since 1995, samples from more than 900 suspected botulinal cases were received, mainly in cattle, horses and men. 524 outbreaks were diagnosed as clearly positive by toxin neutralisation; 83 cases remained inconclusive with the toxin neutralisation. The geographical distribution of the positive cases in Germany is demonstrated for cattle and horses. Dispatch and treatment of specimens and interpretation of results are discussed.