Botulism from Drinking Pruno

Abstract

Foodborne botulism occurred among inmates at 2 prisons in California in 2004 and 2005. In the first outbreak, 4 inmates were hospitalized, 2 of whom required intubation. In the second event, 1 inmate required intubation. Pruno, an alcoholic drink made illicitly in prisons, was the novel vehicle for these cases.

Multilocus Outbreak of Foodborne Botulism Linked to Contaminated Sausage in Hebei Province, China

“…C. botulinum strains produce 7 potent neurotoxins (types A-G), of which types A, B, and E cause most cases of botulism in humans [1,2]. Botulinum intoxication can lead to a classic clinical syndrome of cranial neuropathy and symmetric descending flaccid paralysis, which necessitates mechanical ventilatory support in ∼60% of patients [3].…”

Expression, Purification and Development of Neutralizing Antibodies from Synthetic BoNT/B LC and Its Application in Detection of Botulinum Toxin Serotype B

“…The extraordinarily high number of wound botulism cases reported in California was attributed to black tar heroin imported illicitly from Mexico [19,20]. Subsequently, botulism cases were reported after the drinking of pruno in the U.S.A. [21], the consumption of homemade sume (condensed yogurt) in Turkey [22] and home salted unevicerated fish in the U.S.A. [23]. In India, a case of food borne botulism was reported when an entire family developed symptoms of botulism within 48 h after eating canned meat products [24].…”

Outbreak of Botulism Due to Illicit Prison-Brewed Alcohol: Public Health Response to a Serious and Recurrent Problem

“…Pruno was suspected as a source because of the 2 reports of botulism in prisons associated with pruno [5]. Salt Lake Valley Health Department and Utah Department of Health interviewed prison A staff and prisoners residing in the affected section to determine how the implicated pruno batch was made.…”

“…Pruno is an illicit, prison-brewed alcohol that is known by several names, including "hooch. " It was first implicated in botulism outbreaks occurring in California prisons in 2004 (4 cases) and 2005 (1 case) [5]. In both events, the pruno was made with a potato.…”