Newly-discovered toxin is so deadly, scientists refuse to make details public

Scientists have discovered a deadly new botulinum toxin that has, so far, resisted all attempts to stop it, leading them to keep the details of the toxin out of the public eye for now, for fear that it could be used to make biological weapons.

Botulinum toxin, which causes botulism, is considered the most toxic substance known, as only a tiny amount can paralyze and even kill the average person. Cases usually come from contaminated food or drink, getting the bacteria that produces it under the skin through a wound, or even by breathing the toxin in, but it is not something that can be transmitted from person to person. Seven other types of the toxin have already been identified before this one, some of which are actually used by medical professionals (Botox is one example).

This latest one — type H — was discovered by researchers at the California Department of Public Health in Sacramento, who were working on the case of a child who was suffering through a seemingly normal case of botulism. Analyzing the genetic code of the toxin, the research team found that it was completely new, and so far it hasn't responded to the standard antibodies that are used to treat botulism. Growing new, stronger antibodies is in the works, but that will take time, not only to produce enough, but also to make sure that they're safe for human use.

Until an effective treatment for botulinum toxin type H can be produced, the toxin's DNA sequence is being kept out of the public databases, and any details of the toxin that could be used to turn it into a biological weapon have been left out of the scientific papers written about it. The decision was made after the journal editors talked with government agencies and brought in outside researchers to consult on it, like Stanford University microbiologist David Relman.

"This toxin has unusual risks and consequences for human health," Relman told NPR's online health channel, Shots. "I want to applaud the authors for acting in a way that I think was responsible and prudent."

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The worry about this toxin being used as a weapon is with good reason. Attempts have already been made to use the previously-known botulinum toxins as weapons.

The Aum Shinrikyo cult in Japan is probably best known for their release of sarin gas in the Tokyo subway system on March 20, 1995. However, between 1990-1994, they made at least three confirmed attempts to release botulinum toxin into the air and one suspected attempt to poison a lawyer by mixing it into his drink. Fortunately, all four attempts were unsuccessful, but this was only because the bacteria they had wasn't the right one, or the toxin was switched by one of their own members. Other groups getting their hands on this toxin could do far more serious damage.

(Image courtesy: Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

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