Calabria healthcare: rapid antitoxin transfer saves botulism patient

botulism botulinum antitoxin Calabria healthcare emergency medical response medical micro-depot

A patient with suspected botulism at the Grande Ospedale Metropolitano (GOM) in Reggio Calabria was treated using botulinum antitoxin transferred from the Annunziata Hospital in Cosenza. The transfer was completed in less than two hours, demonstrating the efficiency of a regional medical protocol.

This rapid response was made possible by a strategic agreement between the Calabria Region and the Ministry of Health, which designated the intensive care unit at the Annunziata Hospital as an authorized micro-depot for the antitoxin. This system was established following a botulism emergency in August 2025 in Diamante, Cosenza, which required time-consuming transfers of the antidote from national strategic reserves outside the region.

Following clinical suspicion, healthcare workers in Reggio Calabria contacted the Pavia Poison Control Center, which advised the administration of the antitoxin. The availability of the drug within the region significantly reduced the time required to reach the patient compared to traditional national distribution methods.

Entities

ASP Crotone · Antonio Graziano · Azienda ospedaliera Annunziata di Cosenza · Centro Antiveleni di Pavia · Crotone · Grande Ospedale Metropolitano di Reggio Calabria · Ministero della Salute · Regione Calabria · San Giovanni di Dio Hospital

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[● 3 SOURCES] Doctors utilized advanced locoregional anesthesia to manage high anesthesiological risk.
[● 3 SOURCES] The patient was transferred to Intensive Care and Reanimation for parameter monitoring.
[● 3 SOURCES] The patient's post-operative course is reported as favorable.
[● 3 SOURCES] A 170 kg patient was saved following a violent road accident in the province of Crotone.
[● 2 SOURCES] Orthopedics and Traumatology teams performed surgery to treat a complex femur fracture.
[● 3 SOURCES] The patient underwent an initial life-saving surgery in the General Surgery unit to stabilize vital functions.