Since March 31, 2025, a new in vitro botulism test has become the new standard in the diagnosis of WBVR. The test has the same reliability as the previously used in vivo method, reports the institute in a recent press release.⁽¹⁾

Botulism is caused by a family of 50 bacterial protein toxins that are grouped together under the term botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT).⁽²⁾ Today, the poisoning has become rare. In Germany, fewer than ten cases of botulism are reported each year, most are caused by contaminated food. Clostridium botulinum forms heat-resistant spores and can get onto food with dust and soil particles. In the absence of oxygen, as in the case of privately produced canned vegetables or meat, and with a sufficient supply of nutrients, the bacteria are able to form neurotoxins.⁽³⁾ If these foods are then eaten, food botulism can result. There are also other forms of botulism, such as wound botulism, infant botulism, inhalation botulism and special forms.⁽⁴⁾

The incubation period for food botulism is twelve to 36 hours. Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) poisoning causes flaccid paralysis. BoNT inhibit the release of acetylcholine at the motor end plates and at the cholinergic synapses of the autonomic nervous system. Nausea, diarrhea or constipation often occur. Typical symptoms include double vision, speech disorders, dysphagia and voice disorders, as well as a dry mouth and pupil dilation. The rapidly progressing flaccid paralysis also affects the respiratory muscles.⁽²⁾

In Germany, in addition to the mouse inoculation test (mouse bioassay), ELISA, PCR, real-time PCR or mass spectrometry (endopep-MS) tests are used in laboratory diagnostics to detect the toxin.<sup>(4)

(1)</sup> Wageningen University & Research (2025). WBVR switches to new botulism test. 31.03.2025. https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/
⁽²⁾ Welsch, B. (2022). Yellow list. Pharmindex. Botulism. 6.1.2022. https://www.gelbe-liste.de/krankheiten/botulismus#Definition
⁽³⁾ Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) (2023). Rare, but preventable: Questions and answers on botulism. Updated FAQ of the BfR from June 15, 2023. https://www.bfr.bund.de/
⁽⁴⁾ Robert Koch Institute (2022).  Botulism. RKI guide as of June 24, 2022. https://www.rki.de/