A RECENT CASE OF BOTULISM IN HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

Abstract

A case of type E botulism due to “izushi” made of “hata-hata” and flatfish occurred in Asahikawa, Hokkaio, in January, 1970. The remains of the “izushi” left after the fatal consumption was not available for testing, but the fecal sample tested was found to contain a toxin level of 6750 mouse LD₅₀ per g of feces. The toxin in the fecal sample was identifed as type E botulinal toxin by antitoxin neutralization tests using mice. Isolation of Cl. botulinum type E was achieved by alcohol treatment and serial dilution with the use of lecithinase production to assist in recognition. The patient continued to sink and expired 109 hr after ingestion of the “izushi”.