Familial Cluster of Foodborne Botulism Associated with Homemade Dairy Products: A Case Series

Khadijeh Saravani,1 Amirhosein Kamrava,2 Javad Poursamimi3 1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Zabol University of Medical Science, Zabol, Iran; 2Student Research Committee, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran; 3Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, IranCorrespondence: Javad Poursamimi, Ph.D in Clinical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, 9861663335, Iran, Tel +98 54 32225402, Email [email protected]; [email protected]: Foodborne botulism is a life-threatening illness caused by neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Although dairy-related cases are rare, they remain a public health concern, especially in regions where traditional food preparation methods are common.Case Presentation: This case series describes botulism in three family members—including a pregnant woman—following the consumption of homemade dairy products. All presented with varying degrees of neurological and respiratory symptoms. Two required intubation and intensive care. Laboratory findings confirmed neurotoxin type A in stool and gastric samples. Early administration of a horse-derived trivalent botulinum antitoxin and supportive care resulted in recovery.Conclusion: Prompt recognition and treatment are essential for favorable outcomes. This case series underscores the exceptionally rare occurrence of foodborne botulism linked to homemade dairy products, highlighting the clinical and public health significance of early diagnosis and preventive measures. Keywords: botulism, botulinum antitoxin, dairy products, pregnancy, food safety, diagnosis