Critical role of empiric antitoxin therapy in suspected Clostridium baratii infection: a case report
Department
Internal Medicine
Additional Department
Health Informatics
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
ASM Case Reports
Abstract
Background: Clostridium baratii infections, though rare, can result in life-threatening botulism due to the production of botulinum neurotoxin. The rapid administration of antitoxin is the cornerstone of treatment to mitigate neurological damage and prevent mortality. Given the difficulty in obtaining rapid diagnostic confirmation, empiric administration of antitoxin is often justified.
Case summary: This paper describes a case of C. baratii infection with complete recovery after empiric treatment with antitoxin prior to confirmatory testing returning. Additionally, this manuscript explores the pathophysiology of C. baratii, the diagnostic challenges, and the rationale for early empiric antitoxin therapy.
Conclusion: The nonspecific nature of early symptoms of botulism necessitates a high degree of clinical vigilance and preparedness. This case highlights the need for including botulism in the differential diagnosis for abnormal neuromuscular presentations and how rapid empiric therapy can be lifesaving.
First Page
e00153-25
DOI
10.1128/asmcr.00153-25.
Volume
2
Issue
3
Publication Date
5-1-2026
PubMed ID
42094998
Recommended Citation
Polashenski, M., Perry, M. J., & Aggarwal, A. (2026). Critical role of empiric antitoxin therapy in suspected Clostridium baratii infection: a case report. ASM Case Reports, 2 (3), e00153-25. https://doi.org/10.1128/asmcr.00153-25.