A severe botulism outbreak from homemade canned portulaca olearacea (5 cases)

Five cases of serious botulism resulting from homemade canned portulaca olearacea and the applied therapy are presented. All cases were evaluated at the Emergency Department 35 hours after the meal except one who was admitted 31 hours after the event. They were diagnosed as botulism depending on anamnesis and clinical data. They were supported by mechanical ventilation due to progression in muscle paralysis in the Intensive Care Unit. Botulinum antitoxin was applied to all cases 49 hours after the meal. They were performed percutaneous tracheostomi at 5 to 6 days of admittance. Nosocomial infections were treated with antibiotics. They were required by mechanical ventilation for 13 to 25 days. They were interned by infection disease ward after detracheostomised. All cases discharged with no morbidity after adequate therapy in the ward.