Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) Collaboration

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Sponsor: California Department of Public Health

Location(s): United States

Description

The botulinum neurotoxins, BoNTs, produced by Clostridium botulinum are among the most potent toxins known to man. They are classified as potential bioweapon, Category A, because of their extreme potency and lethality, their ease of production and transport, and the need for prolonged intensive care among affected persons. Two studies in the Journal of Infectious Diseases (2010) reportedly identified for the first time in more than 40 years a new strain of Clostridium botulinum. The California Department of Public Health researchers who discovered botulinum neurotoxin type H (BoNT/H) using an infant botulism case have an established collaboration with UCSF.