Foodborne botulism associated with home-preserved turnip tops in Italy

• Main Authors: Fabrizio Anniballi (Author), Elisa Chironna (Author), Sara Astegiano (Author), Alfonsina Fiore (Author), Bruna Auricchio (Author), Giuseppina Buonincontro (Author), Maria Corvonato (Author), Vincenzo Segala (Author), Giuseppina Mandarino (Author), Dario De Medici (Author), Lucia Decastelli (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 2015-03-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

In Italy, foodborne botulism is a rare disease mainly due to home-preserved food. In the case reported here, clinical diagnosis was performed on the basis of clinical signs and referred consumption of home-preserved turnip tops in oil. Definitive diagnosis was performed by detection of botulinum toxin in sera and neuro-toxigenic organisms in stools and leftover food. This case report highlights the need of a high medical awareness, prompt clinical diagnosis, and synergic collaboration among the health authorities for a correct management of botulism as well as disease containment.

Item Description

0021-2571
10.4415/ANN_15_01_10