STUDIES ON THE ORAL TOXICITY OF CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM TOXIN, TYPE A

Three aspects of the reported oral toxicity of Clostridium botulinum toxin, Type A, were investigated. No demonstrable migration of the crystalline toxin from the lumen of the intestine into the blood stream of the dog could be found. Evidence indicating that the crystalline toxin was inactivated by pepsin and chymotrypsin was obtained, but the toxin was found to be resistant to the action of trypsin. Comparison of the oral toxicity and the intraperitoneal toxicity of the crystalline toxin revealed that the product was not orally toxic. A spray-dried crude preparation of the toxin demonstrated a low oral toxicity.