Experimental botulism in monkeys—A clinical pathological study

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Abstract

The experimentally produced syndrome of botulism (Type A toxin) in the monkey, when the toxin is administered intravenously, mimics the human counterpart, which usually results from ingestion. All the animals developed the same signs, which appeared in a definite sequence. Onset and duration of signs were dose-related, and signs were reversible in survivors. The only consistent findings on autopsy were atelectasis and bronchopneumonia. Animals that died showed no morphological changes.

In the rhesus monkey, the intravenous LD50 of Type A partially purified toxin is 40 MU/kg; the intragastric LD50 is 30,000 MU/kg. In the squirrel monkey, the intravenous LD50 is 66 MU/kg.

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1

Present address: Duke University Hospital, Durham, N.C.

2

Present address: 613 Watkins St., Apt. 2, Mora, Minnesota.

3

Present address: 408 S. Main St., Le Sueur, Minnesota.

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