Therapeutic Uses of Botulinum Toxin

Abstract

BOTULISM had been recognized by the 18th century, but the observation that a toxin produced by an anaerobic organism might be responsible for food poisoning was not made until 1897.¹ Although seven immunologically distinct toxins have since been identified, only types A, B, and E have been linked to cases of botulism in humans.^{2 , 3} Botulinum toxin type A (hereafter referred to as botulinum toxin), one of the most lethal biologic toxins, has been found to be of therapeutic value in the treatment of a variety of neurologic and ophthalmologic disorders.⁴ The Food and Drug Administration recently approved botulinum toxin (Oculinum) . . .