The focus on the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and its toxins covers at least four interesting aspects: First there is the historical and taxonomical aspect of the empirical discovering of bacteria as disease causes, which could exemplarily be shown at this organism. Secondly the so called botulism is a for long times known disease which could also in recent days present dramatic until deadly courses if not identified and treated properly. The botulinum toxin, existing in several distinct serotypes, is furthermore the most poisonous substance known to man and because of its ubiquitous occurrence it could be bred without difficulties and ranks therefore among the first category of potential bioterroristic weapons. The Janus-faced capability now is the aspect that this deadly toxin is taken in a purified version mostly of the serotype A (also known as Botox®) as an effective therapeutical agent in the medical field since almost three decades and its application areas expand.
Concerning the occupational medicine special emphases lie in prevention and ken of transmission of botulism on the one hand and in the awareness of its clinical symptoms as well as a realistic evaluation of the bioterroristic threat on the other hand.