Emulsified and Nanoemulsified Essential Oils in the Control of Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium sporogenes in Mortadella.

Clostridium botulinum is a foodborne pathogen responsible for severe neuroparalytic disease associated with the ingestion of pre-formed toxin in food, with processed meats and canned foods being the most affected. Control of this pathogen in meat products is carried out using the preservative sodium nitrite (NaNO2), which in food, under certain conditions, such as thermal processing and storage, can form carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, the objective was to use nanoemulsified essential oils (EOs) as natural antimicrobial agents, with the aim of reducing the dose of NaNO2 applied in mortadella. The antimicrobial activity of nanoemulsions prepared with mixtures of EOs of garlic, clove, pink pepper, and black pepper was evaluated on endospores and vegetative cells of C. botulinum and Clostridium sporogenes (surrogate model) inoculated in mortadella prepared with 50 parts per million NaNO2. The effects on the technological (pH, water activity, and color) and sensory characteristics of the product were also evaluated. The combinations of EOs and their nanoemulsions showed sporicidal effects on the endospores of both tested microorganisms, with no counts observed from the 10th day of analysis. Furthermore, bacteriostatic effects on the studied microorganisms were observed. Regarding the technological and sensorial characteristics of the product, the addition of the combined EOs had a negative impact on the color of the mortadella and on the flavor/aroma. Despite the strong commercial appeal of adding natural preservatives to foods, the effects on flavor and color must be considered. Given the importance of controlling C. botulinum in this type of product, as well as the reduction in the amount of NaNO2 used, this combination of EOs represents a promising antimicrobial alternative to this preservative, encouraging further research in this direction.

Duration of Fecal Excretion of Clostridium Botulinum and Botulinum Neurotoxin in Patients Recovering from Infant Botulism.

This study sought to determine duration of fecal excretion of Clostridium botulinum organisms and neurotoxin after onset of infant botulism in 66 affected infants. Median excretion was longer for type A than type B patients (organisms: 5.9 vs 3.5 weeks, toxin: 4.8 vs 1.6 weeks, respectively). Toxin excretion always ceased before organism excretion. Antibiotic therapy did not affect duration of excretion.

Dual-Toxin ("Bivalent") Infant Botulism in California, 1976-2020: Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Laboratory Aspects.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the consequences of infant botulism that result from Clostridium botulinum strains that produce 2 botulinum toxin serotypes, termed "bivalent." STUDY DESIGN: Epidemiologic investigations used a standard questionnaire. Clostridium botulinum strains were isolated by standard methods. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes and the relative amounts of toxins produced were identified using the standard mouse bioassay. BoNT subtypes and genomic locations were identified by DNA nucleotide sequencing. RESULTS: Thirty bivalent cases of infant botulism occurred in the 45 years (1976-2020), representing 2.0% of all California infant botulism cases, in the 3 geographic regions of southern California, the southern Central Valley, and mid-northern California. Toxin serotype combinations were Ba (n = 22), Bf (n = 7), and Ab (n = 1). More patients with illness caused by bivalent C botulinum Ba and Bf strains needed endotracheal intubation at hospital admission, 60.0% (18/30), than did patients with illness caused by monovalent BoNT/B strains, 34.3% (152/443). The Cbotulinum Ba and Bf strains produced BoNT/B5 and either BoNT/A4 or /F2. The Ab strain produced BoNT/A2 and /B1. All toxin gene clusters were on plasmids. CONCLUSIONS: Infant botulism caused by bivalent Cbotulinum strains occurs sporadically and in diverse locations in California. Affected patients with bivalent Ba and Bf strains lacked distinguishing epidemiological features but appeared to be more severely paralyzed at hospital presentation than patients with illness caused by only BoNT/B. These bivalent strains produced BoNT subtypes A2, A4, B1, B5, and F2, and all toxin gene clusters were on plasmids.

Toxina botulínica no tratamento da neuralgia pós herpética: um desafio terapêutico / Botulinum toxin in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia: a therapeutic challenge

A neuralgia pós-herpética (NPH) é a principal complicação do herpes zoster. Caracteriza-se por dor que persiste por mais de três meses após o episódio de reativação do vírus varicela zoster, com impacto importante na qualidade de vida. A terapia de primeira linha da NPH consiste nos antidepressivos tricíclicos, inibidores de recaptação de serotonina e noradrenalina, além dos anticonvulsionantes pregabalina e gabapentina. Nos casos refratários, o uso subcutâneo da toxina botulínica A (TXB-A), é uma possibilidade terapêutica. A TXB-A, além de inibir a exocitose da acetilcolina na fenda sináptica da junção neuromuscular, também diminui a liberação de outros mediadores como glutamato, substância P e peptídeo relacionado à calcitonina, responsáveis pela ativação de nociceptores. Neste estudo, foram analisados os prontuários de seis pacientes com NPH, tratados com TXB-A concomitantemente à terapia padrão, no ambulatório de Dermatologia Geral do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo, com o objetivo de avaliar se houve melhora da dor, através da comparação dos valores da escala visual de dor (EVA). Palavras-chave: Neuralgia pós herpética. Toxinas Botulínicas Tipo A. Herpes zoster.

Botulism in the Brazilian Amazon: a life-threatening disease in a neglected population.

BACKGROUND: Botulism is a rare and potentially fatal neuroparalytic syndrome caused by the gram-positive anaerobe spore-forming bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The microorganism produces a neurotoxin that inhibits the presynaptic release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, clinically leading to a myasthenic syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To describe the recent outbreak of botulism cases and its demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics. METHODS: We report 4 patients with botulism in the recent outbreak occurred between 2017 and 2019 in the state of Amazon. RESULTS: Out of four patients with botulism, three contracted it from eating contaminated food and one had wound botulism. We emphasize the excellent clinical outcome of the different disease presentations in our case series. CONCLUSION: The temporal proximity of these reports may suggest a new rise in the number of cases in the upcoming years. A possible hypothesis is that the rarity of the disease decreased the awareness regarding the primary prevention or even a diagnosis by an untrained physician.

ANTECEDENTES: O botulismo é uma síndrome neuroparalítica rara e potencialmente fatal causada pela bactéria anaeróbia gram-positiva formadora de esporos Clostridium botulinum. O microrganismo produz uma neurotoxina que inibe a liberação pré-sináptica de acetilcolina na junção neuromuscular, levando clinicamente a uma síndrome miastênica. OBJETIVO: Descrever o recente surto de casos de botulismo e suas características demográficas, clínicas e laboratoriais. MéTODOS: Relatamos quatro pacientes com botulismo em surto recente ocorrido entre 2017 e 2019 no estado do Amazonas. RESULTADOS: Dos quatro pacientes com botulismo, três o contraíram devido ao consumo de alimento contaminado e um por ferimento. Enfatizamos o excelente resultado clínico das diferentes apresentações da doença em nossa série de casos. CONCLUSãO: A proximidade temporal dessas notificações pode sugerir um novo aumento no número de casos nos próximos anos. Uma possível hipótese é que a raridade da doença diminuiu a conscientização quanto à prevenção primária ou mesmo ao diagnóstico por médico destreinado.

Integration of Complete Plasmids Containing Bont Genes into Chromosomes of Clostridium parabotulinum, Clostridium sporogenes, and Clostridium argentinense.

At least 40 toxin subtypes of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), a heterogenous group of bacterial proteins, are produced by seven different clostridial species. A key factor that drives the diversity of neurotoxigenic clostridia is the association of bont gene clusters with various genomic locations including plasmids, phages and the chromosome. Analysis of Clostridium sporogenes BoNT/B1 strain CDC 1632, C. argentinense BoNT/G strain CDC 2741, and Clostridium parabotulinum BoNT/B1 strain DFPST0006 genomes revealed bont gene clusters within plasmid-like sequences within the chromosome or nested in large contigs, with no evidence of extrachromosomal elements. A nucleotide sequence (255,474 bp) identified in CDC 1632 shared 99.5% identity (88% coverage) with bont/B1-containing plasmid pNPD7 of C. sporogenes CDC 67071; CDC 2741 contig AYSO01000020 (1.1 MB) contained a ~140 kb region which shared 99.99% identity (100% coverage) with plasmid pRSJ17_1 of C. argentinense BoNT/G strain 89G; and DFPST0006 contig JACBDK0100002 (573 kb) contained a region that shared 100% identity (99%) coverage with the bont/B1-containing plasmid pCLD of C. parabotulinum Okra. This is the first report of full-length plasmid DNA-carrying complete neurotoxin gene clusters integrated in three distinct neurotoxigenic species: C. parabotulinum, C. sporogenes and C. argentinense.

Management of excessive gingival display using botulinum toxin type A: a descriptive study.

Botulinum toxin is a protease used by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that causes chemical denervation of skeletal muscles, producing a temporary weakening of muscle activity. Despite having a transitory effect, the application of botulinum toxin has been identified as an alternative for correcting an excessive gingival display (EGD). However, studies evaluating the maintenance of long-term results of botulinum toxin remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and duration of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of anterior EGD. Botulinum toxin Type A was applied to 15 patients with EGD. The measurement was performed in triplicate, using a Castro Viejo dry point compass, between the central cervical portion of the upper lateral incisors to the lower portion of the upper lip, bilaterally. The measurements were performed before the application of the toxin and repeated on days 7, 14, 90, 120, and 180 after the procedure. The data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, followed by a Bonferroni. There was a statistically significant reduction between the measurements performed on the Baseline and seven days after the application of the botulinum toxin. After 180 days, approximately one-quarter of the patients in the sample did not presented EGD. Mild adverse effects were reported by 46.7% of the patients. The use of botulinum toxin type A was effective to treat EGD. After 180 days, it was still possible to observe a significant effect compared to the initial gingival exposure.

First record of mass wild waterfowl mortality due to Clostridium botulinum in Brazilian semiarid.

In 2008, 270 wild birds from aquatic environments were found dead or debilitated on the banks of smaller lakes that had been formed due to the decrease in the level of the holding lake of the Sobradinho Dam located on the São Francisco River in the Caatinga of Bahia, Brazil. The outbreak occurred months after the dam's partial drainage, with the formation of puddles that accumulated decomposing organic material. Amongst the 270 individuals examined and/or found dead, the majority (50%) of the birds found belonged to the Anatidae family. The debilitated birds presented neurological clinical signs including lack of motor coordination, weakness, grave flaccid paralysis in the legs, wings, neck and eyelids, diarrhea, and dyspnea. Tissue samples of the birds were collected, as were water samples and samples of the substrate of the lakes. Zoonotic arboviroses or heavy metals were not detected. Analyses of liver and digestive tract content samples through bioassay and serum neutralization in mice revealed the presence of type C botulinic toxin in the viscerae samples, and type D in sediment samples. According to our knowledge, this is the first record of an outbreak of botulism in wild birds in natural conditions in Brazil.

Protective efficacy of recombinant bacterin vaccine against botulism in cattle.

Botulism is a paralytic disease caused by the intoxication of neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Among the seven immunologically distinct serotypes of neurotoxins (BoNTs A - G), serotypes C and D, or a chimeric fusion termed C/D or D/C, are responsible for animal botulism. The most effective way to prevent botulism in cattle is through vaccination; however, the commercially available vaccines produced by detoxification of native neurotoxins are time-consuming and hazardous. To overcome these drawbacks, a non-toxic recombinant vaccine was developed as an alternative. In this study, the recombinant protein vaccine was produced using an Escherichia coli cell-based system. The formaldehyde-inactivated E. coli is able to induce 7.45 ± 1.77 and 6.6 ± 1.28 IU/mL neutralizing mean titers against BoNTs C and D in cattle, respectively, determined by mouse neutralization bioassay, and was deemed protective by the Brazilian legislation. Moreover, when the levels of anti-BoNT/C and D were compared with those achieved by the recombinant purified vaccines, no significant statistical difference was observed. Cattle vaccinated with the commercial vaccine developed 1.33 and 3.33 IU/mL neutralizing mean titers against BoNT serotypes C and D, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report on recombinant E. coli bacterin vaccine against botulism. The vaccine was safe and effective in generating protective antibodies and, thus, represents an industry-friendly alternative for the prevention of cattle botulism.

Botulism in cattle associated with osteophagy in the State of Acre, Brazil

Background: Botulism is a non-febrile intoxication resulting from the ingestion of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxinsmanifested by partial or complete flaccid paralysis of the musculature of locomotion, swallowing and respiration. Theobjective of this study was to report the first case of botulinum intoxication associated with osteopathy in the state of Acre,as well as to alert breeders and veterinarians to the incidence of this disease in cattle farming.Case: The present report is an outbreak of botulism in the municipality of Acrelândia, in the state of Acre, which resultedin the death of 16 Nelore beef cattle in approximately 30 days. The affected animals were females in reproductive phasemaintained under extensive breeding system. The main clinical signs presented were weakness in the pelvic limbs, prostration, recumbency and death in less than 48 h. Only one animal, with similar symptomatology, was found alive and submitted to emergency therapeutic measures, but without success. During the necropsy of this bovine, no significant changeswere found, only related to the decubitus and agony time, except for fragments of long bones visualized in the reticulum.Samples of bone particles, ruminal contents, reticulum, rumen and intestine fragments were collected for the detection ofbotulinum toxins by the mouse bioassay method, as well as brain and brain stem for differential diagnosis of rabies andbovine spongiform encephalopathy by direct immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The sampleswere sent to the Laboratory of General Bacteriology of the Biological Institute, São Paulo, Brazil, and all the analyzespresented negative results.Discussion: One of the main risk factors for the occurrence of botulinum...(AU)

A toxina botulínica como alternativa do arsenal terapêutico na odontologia / Botulinum toxin as alternative of therapeutical arsenal in dentistry

A evolução dos materiais, técnicas e fármacos culminou com a descoberta e uso da toxina botulínica Tipo A na Medicina e na Odontologia. Longe do escopo e da discussão sobre seu uso cosmético ou funcional, a toxina pode ser empregada em múltiplas terapias no terço inferior da face. A metodologia utilizada foi uma revisão sistemática sobre artigos científicos em revistas e periódicos indexados e de fácil aquisição nas bases de dados PubMed/MEDLINE, Lilacs, BBO, SciELO e Google Acadêmico nos últimos 10 anos, acrescidos de referências clássicas e estudos considerados relevantes para essa publicação. A toxina botulínica é considerada um procedimento minimamente invasivo clássico, pois não é agressiva e nem penetra o organismo de forma extensiva, com ato operatório que não exige uma hora clínica longa e permite o retorno do paciente às suas atividades laborais de maneira bastante precoce. Empregada na Odontologia: na sialorreia, nas assimetrias faciais com origem muscular, nas disfunções e nos problemas da articulação temporomandibular, no bruxismo, no controle do sorriso gengival, na distonia orofacial, no controle da força muscular após aposição de fixações em Implantodontia, entre outros. Foi possível concluir que a toxina botulínica é uma alternativa promissora dentro do arsenal terapêutico do cirurgião-dentista devido ao seu múltiplo emprego, com possibilidade de correções e reversibilidade superiores quando comparadaa técnicas cirúrgicas, por exemplo, com menor índice de morbidade, maior conforto e resultado imediato para o paciente

The evolution of materials, techniques and drugs culminated in the discovery and use of Botulinum Toxin, Type A, in Medicine and Dentistry. Far from the scope and discussion of its cosmetic or functional use, the toxin can be employed in multiple therapies in the lower third of the face. The methodology used was a systematic review of scientific articles in indexed and easily retrieved journals and papers in the PubMed/ MEDLINE, Lilacs, BBO, SciELO and Google Academic databases in the last 10 years, along with classic references and studies considered relevant to this publication. Botulinum toxin is considered a classic minimally invasive procedure, since it is neither aggressive nor penetrating the organism extensively, with an operative procedure that doesn´t require a long clinical time and allows the patient to return to his work activities in a very precocious way. Employed in Dentistry: in sialorrhoea, facial asymmetries with muscular origin, dysfunctions and temporomandibular joint problems, bruxism, gingival smile control, orofacial dystonia, muscle strength control after fixations placement in Implant Dentistry, among others. It was possible to conclude that botulinum toxin is a pr omising alternative within the therapeutic arsenal of the dentist due to its multiple use, with the possibility of superior corrections and reversibility when compared to surgical techniques, for example, with lower morbidity index, greater comfort and immediate result for the patient.

Sinergismo de óleos essenciais sobre endósporos de Clostridium sporogenes / Essential oils sinergisms on Clostridium sporogenes endospores

A forma mais comum de inibir a produção de toxina botulínica em produtos cárneos cozidos é pela adição de sais de nitrito, o que pode gerar substâncias carcinogênicas (nitrosaminas), sendo desejável sua substituição. Os óleos essenciais vêm se destacando como agentes antimicrobianos, sendo interessante seu uso como conservante. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a ação sinergística de óleos essenciais sobre endósporos de Clostridium sporogenes, utilizado como modelo de pesquisa para C. botulinum. As concentrações mínimas esporicidas (CME) dos óleos de alecrim, tomilho, cravo, manjericão, ho wood e alho foram de 3% e de 0,375% para pimenta e canela. Os óleos de orégano e noz moscada não apresentaram ação esporicida nas concentrações testadas. Entre as combinações, as melhores foram de pimenta chinesa (0,1306%), alho (1,1%) e manjericão (1,1%) e pimenta chinesa (0,1306%), alho (1,1%) e tomilho branco (1,1%). Os resultados sugerem o sinergismo entre os óleos, sendo promissor seu uso em alimentos.(AU)

Óleo essencial de Lippia gracilis: atividade antioxidante e antimicrobiana contra Clostridium botulinum / Essential oil of Lippia gracilis: antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Clostridium botulinum

Apesar da utilização dos aditivos nos alimentos, alguns microrganismos, como o Clostridium botulinum ainda causam preocupação. Óleos essenciais são opções de aditivo para a indústria de alimentos, pois podem apresentar atividade antimicrobiana e antioxidante. Diante disso, o objetivo foi extrair o ó leo essencial de Lippia gracilis, caracterizar sua composição química por CG/ EM, avaliar a atividade antioxidante pela redução do radical DPPH e a concentração mínima esporicida (CME) sobreClostridium sporogenes. O óleo essencial é composto majoritariamente pelos monoterpenos carvacrol, p-cimeno e terpineno, e apresentou baixa capacidade de estabilização do radical DPPH, IC50 > 500 μg/ mL. Em relação à ação sobre os endósporos do Clostridium sporogenes, a concentração mínima esporicida foi 1,5% de óleo essencial.(AU)

Óleo essencial de Lippia gracilis: atividade antioxidante e antimicrobiana contra Clostridium botulinum / Essential oil of Lippia gracilis: antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Clostridium botulinum

Apesar da utilização dos aditivos nos alimentos, alguns microrganismos, como o Clostridium botulinum ainda causam preocupação. Óleos essenciais são opções de aditivo para a indústria de alimentos, pois podem apresentar atividade antimicrobiana e antioxidante. Diante disso, o objetivo foi extrair o ó leo essencial de Lippia gracilis, caracterizar sua composição química por CG/ EM, avaliar a atividade antioxidante pela redução do radical DPPH e a concentração mínima esporicida (CME) sobreClostridium sporogenes. O óleo essencial é composto majoritariamente pelos monoterpenos carvacrol, p-cimeno e terpineno, e apresentou baixa capacidade de estabilização do radical DPPH, IC50 > 500 μg/ mL. Em relação à ação sobre os endósporos do Clostridium sporogenes, a concentração mínima esporicida foi 1,5% de óleo essencial.

Sinergismo de óleos essenciais sobre endósporos de Clostridium sporogenes / Essential oils sinergisms on Clostridium sporogenes endospores

A forma mais comum de inibir a produção de toxina botulínica em produtos cárneos cozidos é pela adição de sais de nitrito, o que pode gerar substâncias carcinogênicas (nitrosaminas), sendo desejável sua substituição. Os óleos essenciais vêm se destacando como agentes antimicrobianos, sendo interessante seu uso como conservante. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a ação sinergística de óleos essenciais sobre endósporos de Clostridium sporogenes, utilizado como modelo de pesquisa para C. botulinum. As concentrações mínimas esporicidas (CME) dos óleos de alecrim, tomilho, cravo, manjericão, ho wood e alho foram de 3% e de 0,375% para pimenta e canela. Os óleos de orégano e noz moscada não apresentaram ação esporicida nas concentrações testadas. Entre as combinações, as melhores foram de pimenta chinesa (0,1306%), alho (1,1%) e manjericão (1,1%) e pimenta chinesa (0,1306%), alho (1,1%) e tomilho branco (1,1%). Os resultados sugerem o sinergismo entre os óleos, sendo promissor seu uso em alimentos.

Boletín epidemiológico semanal 10: Mitos y verdades sobre inocuidad de alimentos / Weekly epidemiological bulletin 10

Un plaguicida sólo puede ser puesto en el mercado si se ha establecido científicamente que puede ser usado de forma segura, esto significa que puede ser usado sin producir efectos adversos en los seres humanos, los animales y que no causa daño en el medio ambiente. Crucialmente, la cantidad de residuos de plaguicidas en los alimentos debe ser tan baja como sea posible y la comida debe ser segura para comer, esto se logra a través de los Residuos Máximos de Plaguicidas, que son monitoreados regularmente. En Colombia las muestras de alimentos son analizadas para residuos de plaguicidas cada año por el Invima. El INS trabaja de la mano de otras entidades como el ICA y Invima para proporcionar información con evidencia científica que será usada en la toma de decisiones, esto ayuda a mantener la seguridad de nuestros alimentos.

A pesticide can only be placed on the market if it has been scientifically established that it can be used safely, this means that it can be used without causing adverse effects on humans, animals and that it does not cause damage to the environment. Crucially, the amount of pesticide residues in the food should be as low as possible and the food should be safe to eat, this is achieved through the Maximum Pesticide Residues, which are regularly monitored. In Colombia, food samples are analyzed for pesticide residues every year by Invima. The INS works hand in hand with other entities such as ICA and Invima to provide information with scientific evidence that will be used in decision making, this helps to maintain the safety of our food.

Botulism in cattle associated with osteophagy in the State of Acre, Brazil

Background: Botulism is a non-febrile intoxication resulting from the ingestion of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxinsmanifested by partial or complete flaccid paralysis of the musculature of locomotion, swallowing and respiration. Theobjective of this study was to report the first case of botulinum intoxication associated with osteopathy in the state of Acre,as well as to alert breeders and veterinarians to the incidence of this disease in cattle farming.Case: The present report is an outbreak of botulism in the municipality of Acrelândia, in the state of Acre, which resultedin the death of 16 Nelore beef cattle in approximately 30 days. The affected animals were females in reproductive phasemaintained under extensive breeding system. The main clinical signs presented were weakness in the pelvic limbs, prostration, recumbency and death in less than 48 h. Only one animal, with similar symptomatology, was found alive and submitted to emergency therapeutic measures, but without success. During the necropsy of this bovine, no significant changeswere found, only related to the decubitus and agony time, except for fragments of long bones visualized in the reticulum.Samples of bone particles, ruminal contents, reticulum, rumen and intestine fragments were collected for the detection ofbotulinum toxins by the mouse bioassay method, as well as brain and brain stem for differential diagnosis of rabies andbovine spongiform encephalopathy by direct immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The sampleswere sent to the Laboratory of General Bacteriology of the Biological Institute, São Paulo, Brazil, and all the analyzespresented negative results.Discussion: One of the main risk factors for the occurrence of botulinum...

Epidemiologia e fatores de riscos relacionados à intoxicação alimentar causada por Clostridium Botulinum: uma revisão narrativa / Epidemiology and risk factors related to food intoxication caused by Clostridium Botulinum: a narrative review

O botulismo é uma doença resultante da ação de uma toxina produzida pelo Clostridium botulinum. Devido à sua gravidade e alta mortalidade é considerado um problema de saúde pública. Nesta revisão apresentamos os principais fatores de riscos associados à intoxicação alimentar provocada pelo Clostridium botulinum, bem como realizamos um levantamento epidemiológico sobre o botulismo alimentar e infantil. A busca bibliográfica considerou as bases de dados Scielo, Medline, Lilacs e PubMed. Foram selecionados artigos originais e relatos de caso publicados em inglês, espanhol e português, incluindo publicações dos últimos dez anos. A partir das análises dos títulos, resumos e artigos, um total de 26 artigos foram incluídos nesta revisão. Verificou-se predomínio de 54% dos casos referentes ao botulismo alimentar, dos quais aproximadamente 58% confirmaram a ocorrência da toxina tipo A; e 35% referente ao botulismo infantil. Na literatura consultada os principais sintomas, relacionados ao botulismo alimentar, identificados foram: visão turva, vômito, paralisia flácida, náuseas, tontura, diplopia, dificuldade respiratória, disatria, disfagia, fraqueza muscular, boca seca, ptose e cefaleia. Dentre as principais fontes de contaminação, 65% das publicações selecionadas identificaram as conservas como principal causa do botulismo alimentar. Embora o mel (42%) seja a única fonte registrada de alimento veiculador do agente causador do botulismo infantil, alguns relatos na literatura (25%) associaram à doença com a inalação de poeira contendo esporos do Clostridium botulinum, bem como o uso de plantas medicinais (25%). Os sintomas mais comuns observados na literatura foram: constipação dificuldade respiratória e dificuldade de sucção. Apesar de vários relatos na literatura acerca das duas doenças, o botulismo ainda é muito subnotificado dado ao diagnóstico muitas vezes equivocado, ressaltando-se a importância do diagnóstico precoce no tratamento da doença pelos profissionais de saúde, bem como a disponibilidade de informações relevantes para a investigação epidemiológica de doenças de notificação compulsória. Os dados apresentados também demonstram a importância de sensibilizar a população dos principais riscos e medidas de prevenção, já que a maioria dos casos relatados está relacionada a práticas inadequadas de preparo dos alimentos. (AU)

Botulism is a disease resulting from the action of a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Because of its severity and high mortality, it is considered a public health problem. In this review, we present the main risk factors associated with food poisoning caused by Clostridium botulinum, as well as an epidemiological survey on foodborne and infant botulism. A bibliographic search was conducted in SciELO, MEDLINE, LILACS and PubMed databases. Original articles and case reports published in English, Spanish and Portuguese in the past ten years were selected. After analyzing titles, abstracts and articles, 26 articles were used in this review. In total, 54% of the cases were related to foodborne botulism, of which approximately 58% had confirmed type A botulism, and 35% were related to infant botulism. In the literature consulted, the main symptoms related to foodborne botulism were blurred vision, vomiting, flaccid paralysis, nausea, dizziness, diplopia, respiratory distress, dysarthria, dysphagia, muscle weakness, dry mouth, ptosis and headache. Among the sources of contamination, 65% of the published studies reported home-canned foods as the main cause of foodborne botulism. Although honey (42%) is the only reported food source for the agent causing infant botulism, some reports in the literature (25%) associated the disease with inhalation of dust containing Clostridium botulinum spores, as well as use of medicinal plants (25%). The most common symptoms observed in the literature were constipation, difficulty breathing and difficulty suckling. Although several reports on the two forms of the disease exist, botulism remains under-reported because of often incorrect diagnosis. Thus, early diagnosis is important for an adequate treatment provided by health professionals, as well as availability of relevant information for the epidemiological investigation of notifiable diseases. The data presented in this study also demonstrate the importance of raising people's awareness to main risks and prevention measures, as most reported cases were related to inadequate food preparation practices. (AU)

Uso da toxina botulínica na correção do sorriso gengival / Use of botulinal toxin in the correction of gengival smile

Introdução: A beleza do sorriso representa uma expressão primordial na harmonização da face, e está diretamente ligada à autoestima do indivíduo. A atividade do sorriso é determinada pela contração de músculos específicos, e pode apresentar diferentes níveis de exposição gengival. Quando maior que 3mm é denominado sorriso gengival e gera uma condição esteticamente desagradável. Entre as suas diversas causas, a hiperatividade muscular se destaca. Objetivo: apresentar uma revisão de literatura a respeito da toxina botulínica, que se tornou uma ferramenta bastante utilizada como método complementar ou exclusivo na correção do sorriso gengival. Método: Para a pesquisa, foram utilizados os seguintes descritores: toxina botulínica tipo A, estética dentária e clostridium botulinum, utilizando os operadores booleanos AND e OR, inclusos artigos em língua portuguesa, inglesa e espanhola para descrever seu histórico, mecanismo de ação, durabilidade, indicações, contraindicações e técnica de aplicação. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o seu emprego como método de tratamento conservador pelo cirurgião-dentista é viável desde que possua conhecimento da anatomia facial, interações entre os músculos e farmacologia da neurotoxina, garantindo assim segurança, melhoria na estética do sorriso e satisfação do paciente.

Introduction: The beauty of the smile represents a primordial expression in the harmonization of the face and is directly linked to the self-esteem of the individual. Smile activity is determined by the contraction of specific muscles and may present different levels of gingival exposure. When bigger than 3mm, it is called gingival smile, and generates an aesthetically unpleasant condition. Among its many causes, muscular hyperactivity is highlighted. Objective: The objective of this work was to present a literature review about botulinum toxin, which has become a widely used tool as a complementary or exclusive method for gingival smile correction. Method: The following descriptors were used: Botulinum toxin type A, dental aesthetics and clostridium botulinum, using Boolean operators AND and OR, including articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish to describe their history, mechanism of action, durability, indications, contraindications and application technique. Conclusion: It is concluded that its use as a method of conservative treatment by the dental surgeon is feasible if it has a thorough knowledge of facial anatomy, interactions between muscles and neurotoxin pharmacology, thus ensuring safety, improvement in smile aesthetics and patient satisfaction.

Microbiological quality of honey from stingless bee, jandaíra (Meliponasubnitida), from the semiarid region of Brazil / Qualidade microbiológica do mel da abelha sem ferrão jandaíra (Melipona subnitida) da região semi-árida do Brasil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of microorganisms in honey produced by the stingless bee (SB) jandaíra (Melipona subnitida)from the semiarid region of Brazil. Thirty-five samples were analyzed and all of them were positive for mesophilic bacteria, coliforms at 45°C, fungi, and yeast. Staphylococcus spp. were identified in 85.7%, while Bacillus spp. were detected in 34.3% of honey samples. DNAs of Clostridium perfringens and C. botulinum were detected in 40% and 2.8% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella spp. and C. difficile were not detected. The present research revealed a great diversity of microorganisms in honey produced by jandaíra.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a presença de microrganismos no mel produzido pela abelha sem ferrão jandaíra (Melipona subnitida). Trinta e cinco amostras foram avaliadas e todas foram positivas para bactérias mesofílicas, coliformes a 45 ºC, fungos e leveduras. Staphylococcus spp. foi identificado em 85,7% enquanto Bacillus foi detectado em 34,3% das amostras de mel. Clostridium perfringens e C. botulinum foram detectados em 40% e 2,8% das amostras respectivamente. Salmonella spp. e C. difficile não foram detectados. O presente trabalho revelou uma grande diversidade de microrganismos no mel produzido por jandaíra.(AU)