A recent outbreak of botulinum toxin poisoning has been associated with patients in two private hospitals in Turkey undergoing a medical procedure known as “stomach botox” for weight loss.
According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), a total of 67 cases of botulism were reported, most of them in Turkey, 12 in Germany, one in Austria and one in Switzerland. Science Alert writes that while no deaths have been reported, some severe cases require intensive care.
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Botulism is a paralyzing disease caused by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that thrives from spores, usually in an anoxic environment. Symptoms of botulism can range from blurred or double vision, slurred speech, nausea and diarrhea to more serious effects that can interfere with breathing, and death occurs in 5 to 10 percent of cases.
A toxic substance produced by a tiny microbe that blocks nerve signals has been repurposed as a drug in recent years. Trained healthcare professionals can inject carefully measured doses of neurotoxins into targeted muscles responsible for pain or cosmetic issues.
Known for its cosmetic anti-wrinkle properties, botox has also been used to treat other ailments such as chronic migraine and excessive armpit sweating.
Injection of BTX-A (botulinum toxin-A) into the stomach wall via an endoscope is also used to slow digestion and prolong satiety. Commonly referred to as “stomach botox,” these procedures are becoming more common around the world and are considered relatively safe, but their long-term effectiveness as a weight loss treatment is questionable. It is important to note that this procedure is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the European Medicines Agency.
However, absolute safety can be tricky when dealing with one of the deadliest poisons in the world. Establishing a safe and effective dose of BTX-A leaves little room for error, as the substance is considered deadly, at more than one nanogram per kilogram of body weight.
The use of unlicensed Botox products of unknown composition or counterfeit toxins from unapproved sources can pose a significant risk to patients, even in the hands of qualified professionals.
The cause of the recent outbreak of botulism is not yet clear. Of the 63 cases with sufficient details, 60 were treated at a private hospital in Istanbul, while three cases were reported to be connected to a second private hospital in Izmir, Turkey. All transactions were carried out from February 22 to March 1, 2023.
Turkish authorities claim that the drugs used in the procedure are licensed but not approved for use in the stomach. The investigation continues in both hospitals where the operation was suspended.
ECDC advises anyone traveling to Istanbul or Izmir for intragastric treatment with botulinum neurotoxin to seek medical advice if they experience fatigue, difficulty breathing or swallowing. It may take several months to recover from the paralyzing effect of the toxin.
Previously Focus wrote about the unexpected side of ordinary honey. Spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which produces botulinum toxin, can often be found in their usual sweetness.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.