False-Positive Serum Botulism Bioassay in Miller-Fisher Syndrome

J Clin Neuromuscul Dis. 2015 Sep;17(1):27-9. doi: 10.1097/CND.0000000000000082.

Abstract

We describe a patient with acute progressive weakness and areflexia. Both botulism and Miller-Fisher variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome were initial diagnostic considerations, and she was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and botulinum antitoxin. A mouse bioassay was positive for botulinum toxin A, although her clinical course, electrodiagnostic studies, and cerebrospinal fluid findings supported Miller-Fisher syndrome. This patient's atypical features offer points of discussion regarding the evaluation of patients with acute neuromuscular weakness and emphasize the limitations of the botulism bioassay.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biological Assay / methods
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / blood*
  • Botulism / blood*
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Miller Fisher Syndrome / blood*
  • Miller Fisher Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Miller Fisher Syndrome / physiopathology

Substances

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A