What is botulinum neurotoxin A?

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are produced by neurotoxigenic clostridia and are a diverse group that consists of approximately 40 different BoNT types (and various subtypes), all of which cause persistent paralysis of peripheral nerve terminals — a condition known as botulism.

What is the difference between botulinum toxin type A and type B?

The types that are approved for use in humans are forms A and B. Botulinum toxin A is approved for cosmetic use and botulinum toxin B is used for different types of muscle diseases. Botulinum toxin A was originally used to treat “crossed eyes”, which is a condition where the eyes are not aligned properly.

Where does botulinum toxin type A come from?

[1] It is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, an anaerobic, gram-positive, spore-forming rod commonly found on plants, in soil, water and the intestinal tracts of animals. Scott[2] first demonstrated the effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A for the management of strabismus in humans.

How does botulinum toxin type A work?

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related species. It prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromuscular junction, thus causing flaccid paralysis. The toxin causes the disease botulism.

What is the use of botulinum toxin type A?

Botulinum toxin is used to treat certain eye disorders such as crossed eyes (strabismus) and uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm), to treat muscle stiffness/spasms or movement disorders (such as cervical dystonia, torticollis), and to reduce the cosmetic appearance of wrinkles.

What is botulinum toxin type A used for?

What is botulinum toxin type A? The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, sometimes referred to as “Botox” by patients, is a popular injectable that temporarily reduces or eliminates facial fine lines and wrinkles. The most commonly treated areas are frown lines, forehead creases, crow’s feet near the eyes.

How much does a vial of botulinum toxin cost?

Bocouture 100unit powder for solution for injection vials (Merz Pharma UK Ltd)

Active ingredients Size NHS indicative price
Botulinum toxin type A 100 unit 1 £229.90

What kind of disease is caused by botulinum toxin?

Even taking a small taste of food containing botulinum toxin can cause botulism. Kinds of botulism include foodborne, wound, infant, adult intestinal colonization, and iatrogenic.

How does botulism get into the human body?

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria spores. If the toxin gets into your bloodstream, it can attack your nerves and block signals that control your body’s muscles, most often starting with those in your eyes, face, mouth, and throat.

How big is the lethal dose of botulinum toxin?

Infection with the bacterium causes the disease botulism. The toxin is also used commercially in medicine, cosmetics and research. Botulinum is the most acutely lethal toxin known, with an estimated human median lethal dose (LD50) of 1.3–2.1 ng/kg intravenously or intramuscularly and 10–13 ng/kg when inhaled.

Why does botulinum toxin cause flaccid paralysis?

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related species. It prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromuscular junction and thus causes flaccid paralysis.