Overview and history of botulinum neurotoxin research and exploitation -- Pharmacology of botulinum neurotoxins -- Absorption and transport of botulinum neurotoxins -- The botulinum neurotoxin complex and the role of ancillary proteins -- Neurotoxin structure -- The dual receptor recognition of botulinum neurotoxins -- Translocation, entry into the cell -- Protease activity of the botulinum neurotoxins -- Molecular basis for persistence of botulinum neurotoxins -- Clostridium botulinum genomes and genetic diversity -- Botulinum neurotoxin risks and detection in environment, agriculture and food chains -- Botulism as a disease of humans -- Prevention and treatment of botulism.

Currently, there are tremendous advances being made in understanding the basic science of both the structure and function of botulinum neurotoxins. This knowledge is opening up opportunities in regard to both therapeutic uses and treatment and protection options for civil and bio-defense applications. This volume fully evaluates the status of neurotoxin research and exploitation. The book is a multi-authored collection of chapters written by the leading authorities responsible for the current scientific and clinical research that is advancing the understanding and exploitation of the neurotoxins, and is both up to date and authoritative.