WBVR switches to new botulism test

Unlike the current international standard test, the new methodology does not use animals to detect botulism toxins. ‘The switch to this new in vitro test is in line with our goal of reducing the use of animals in diagnostics and research via reducing, refining or replacing them,’ said Miriam Koene, responsible for botulism research.

Development

The new in vitro botulism test will be the new standard in diagnostics of WBVR from March 31, 2025. Researcher Miriam Koene and a team of colleagues have been working on the development of this in vitro test for determining botulism toxins for the past few years. ‘Our research shows that this test has the same reliability as the diagnostics we have used so far,’ Koene said.

Diagnostics

Detection of botulinum toxins is the most reliable way to diagnose botulism. For this, a new in vitro toxin test has been implemented. A second test is available to detect the presence of the bacteria using PCR. While this provides additional information, it is not definitive for the diagnosis of botulism, as Clostridium botulinum bacteria are soil bacteria that can be found in the environment. The animal-free in vitro test has been used for this purpose since March 31, 2025.

Nothing will change for clients requesting botulism tests, according to Koene. ‘Our new way of working does not affect the service we offer in botulism diagnostics,’ the researcher assures.