Table 2.
Results of Laboratory Testing for Clostridium botulinum and Botulinum Toxin During an Outbreak of Botulism in Arizona Prison A, November 24 to 26, 2012.
| Specimen | Number Submitted | Botulinum Toxin Type A | C. botulinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pruno | 1 | Positive | Positive |
| Patient sera | |||
| Pre-antitoxin | 8 | Positive | — |
| Post-antitoxin | 8 | Negative | — |
| Stool | 1 | Positive | Positive |
| Gastric aspirate | 7 | Negative | Negative |
| Rectal swabs | 7 | — | 5 positive |
Note. Serum from all eight patients was tested for botulinum toxin by using mass spectrometry and mouse bioassay before and 24 hours after administration of botulinum antitoxin.