Page "Botulism" Paragraph 38

There are two primary Botulinum Antitoxins available for treatment of wound and foodborne botulism.

Trivalent ( A, B, E ) Botulinum Antitoxin is derived from equine sources utilizing whole antibodies ( Fab & Fc portions ).

This antitoxin is available from the local health department via the CDC.

The second antitoxin is heptavalent ( A, B, C, D, E, F, G ) Botulinum Antitoxin which is derived from " despeciated " equine IgG antibodies which have had the Fc portion cleaved off leaving the F ( ab ') 2 portions.

This is a less immunogenic antitoxin that is effective against all known strains of botulism where not contraindicated.

This is available from the US Army.

On 1 June 2006 the US Department of Health and Human Services awarded a $ 363 million contract with Cangene Corporation for 200, 000 doses of Heptavalent Botulinum Antitoxin over five years for delivery into the Strategic National Stockpile beginning in 2007.