How is botulinum antitoxin obtained and administered?
Prompt administration of botulinum antitoxin (passive immunity) is crucial to prevent the progression of botulism; however, pharmacies do not routinely stock this antidote. Botulinum antitoxin is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through a coordinated effort with state and local health departments. In addition, the antitoxin is stored at large airport quarantine sites. When botulism is diagnosed, the physician should contact the hospital infection control practitioner and the local or state health department to report the case/outbreak and obtain antitoxin. Treatment should not be withheld pending laboratory results; clinical diagnosis is sufficient. Links and contact information for these health departments are available from the CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/doc.do/id/0900f3ec80226c7a/. If the local or state health department cannot be reached, the CDC should be contacted directly (404) 639-2206; (404) 639-2888 (after hours, weekends, holidays);
