A foodborne outbreak causing a cholinergic syndrome.

Abstract

We report a foodborne outbreak causing a cholinergic syndrome in three members of a family. The clinical presentation was characterized by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weakness. Physical examination revealed evidence of peripheral motor weakness and decreased level of consciousness in all three patients. Bradycardia, hypotension, and seizures occurred in two patients. Although initial therapy included administration of antitoxin for possible botulism, subsequent investigation revealed evidence of accidental organophosphate (fensulfothion) poisoning. The ubiquitous use of organophosphates as agricultural and household insecticides has ensured their continuing importance as causes of foodborne poisoning in both developed and developing countries. Physicians must remain alert to the possibility of non-bacterial causes of foodborne outbreaks in order to initiate prompt and appropriate investigations and specific therapy.

• Authors: C Greenaway, P Orr
• Journal: The Journal of emergency medicine (J Emerg Med) 1996 May-Jun Vol. 14 Issue 3 Pg. 339-44 ISSN: 0736-4679 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8782031 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Insecticides
• Organothiophosphorus Compounds
• fensulfothion

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Animals
• Cooking
• Disease Outbreaks
• Emergencies
• Female
• Fishes
• Food Contamination
• Foodborne Diseases (complications, epidemiology, therapy)
• Humans
• Insecticides (poisoning)
• Male
• Manitoba (epidemiology)
• Meat (poisoning)
• Middle Aged
• Organothiophosphorus Compounds (poisoning)