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Infant botulism is a potentially life-threatening disease in which the bacteria Clostridium botulinum grows within the baby's gastrointestinal tract.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsClostridium botulinum is a spore-forming organism that is common in nature. The spores may be found in soil and certain foods (such as honey and some corn syrups).
Infant botulism occurs mostly in young infants between 6 weeks and 6 months of age. It has been reported to occur as early as 6 days and as late as 1 year.
Risk factors include swallowing honey as a baby, being around contaminated soil, and having less than one stool per day for a period greater than 2 months.
Symptoms- Breathing stops or slows
- Constipation
- Eyelids sag or partially close
- Infant appears "floppy"
- Infant doesn't gag
- Loss of head control
- Paralysis that spreads downward
- Poor feeding and weak suckling
- Respiratory failure
- Tired all the time (lethargy)
- Weak cry
The doctor will perform a physical exam. The doctor may note decreased muscle tone, a missing or decreased gag reflex, missing or decreased deep tendon reflexes, and eyelid drooping.
A stool sample from the baby may be examined to check for the botulinum toxin or bacteria.
Electromyography (EMG) can be done to help tell the difference between muscle and neurological problems.
TreatmentBotulism immune globulin is the main treatment for this condition. Infants that receive this treatment have shorter hospital stays and less severe illness.
Any infant with botulism must receive supportive care during their recovery. This includes:
- Ensuring proper nutrition
- Keeping the airway clear
- Watching for breathing problems
If breathing problems develop, breathing support, including the use of a breathing machine, may be needed.
Antibiotics do not appear to help the baby improve any faster, and are not needed unless another bacterial infection such as pneumonia develops.
The use of human-derived botulinum antitoxin may also be helpful.
Expectations (prognosis)Full recovery is expected with early recognition and supportive treatment. Death or permanent disability may result in complicated cases.
ComplicationsRespiratory insufficiency can develop, requiring assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation).
Calling your health care providerSince infant botulism can be life threatening, go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) immediately if your infant has symptoms of botulism.
PreventionTheoretically, the disease might be avoided by preventing exposure to spores. Since honey and corn syrup are sources of Clostridium spores, they should not be fed to infants less than 1 year old.
ReferencesArnon SS. Botulism (Clostridium Botulinum). In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 207.
What else can I help you with?
What types of botulism are there?
Three types of botulism have been identified: foodborne, wound, and infant botulism. The main difference between types hinges on the route of exposure to the toxin.
Are SIDS and botulism related?
Infant botulism and SIDS have a similar age of death demographics [peak age is around two to four months], but the botulism is easily found in an autopsy.
How can infant botulism be prevented?
Dont feed an infant under one year old honey. One year and older is perfectly safe!
Can stainless steel utensils in food cause botulism in a refrigerator?
Botulism has three main forms, infant, foodborne and wound. All forms are serious and should be treated. Stainless steel utensil left in food in the refrigerator is not a cause for botulism.
What kind of pathogen is botulism?
Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is an anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium. The toxin is one of the most potent known and can lead to severe muscle paralysis and potentially death if ingested. There are several forms of botulism, including foodborne, wound, and infant botulism, each associated with different exposure routes.
When can a child eat honey?
They say to avoid feeding honey to a child before he reaches 1 year of age. However, infant botulism accounts for less than 0.00003 percent of infant deaths in the US. The risk of an infant contracting and dying from infant botulism is about 1 in 3 million. There are approximately 100 infant deaths from botulism in the US each year. Just to put things in perspective. Anyways, a child should be breastfed AT LEAST the first year of life (the WHO recommends the first three years of life) if the mother is capable of breastfeeding without debilitating pain, assuming of course she has a desire for her child to develop as healthy as possible. With that in mind, there's really no need for an infant to be eating honey in the first place.
Can honey and cinnamon powder be given to children?
Honey should NOT be given to children under one year of age. Honey may contain Clostridium botulinum spores that can cause infant infant botulism.
If you accidentally give babies honey what happens?
Honey should not be fed to infants younger than 1 year old. Clostridium bacteria that cause infant botulism usually thrive in soil and dust. However, they can also contaminate certain foods - honey in particular. Infant botulism can cause muscle weakness, with signs like poor sucking, a weak cry, constipation, and an overall decreased muscle tone (floppiness). Parents can reduce the risk of infant botulism by not introducing honey into their baby's diet until after the first birthday. As kids get older, their bodies are better able to handle the bacteria.
What is the average life expectancy of someone suffering from infant botulism?
Infant botulism generally has a good prognosis, with most infants recovering fully with appropriate medical care. The average life expectancy for those affected is typically normal, as long as they receive timely treatment. Complications are rare, but in severe cases, they can lead to prolonged hospitalization. Overall, the survival rate is quite high with proper intervention.
What is the difference between an infant and adult metabolism?
I don't know all the things different, but I know that infants cannot properly digest cow's milk or products made from cow's milk. They are also a lot more susceptible to food-borne illnesses like botulism, which is why you should never give an infant honey.
What region in the world is botulism most prevalent?
Botulism is most prevalent in regions with inadequate food preservation methods, particularly in developing countries where traditional food processing techniques may be used. However, it is also notable in areas with high home canning practices, such as the United States and Canada. Cases have been linked to improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods, with infant botulism primarily occurring in North America. Overall, the risk is heightened in environments where food safety practices are not strictly followed.
Is it safe to give my baby honey?
In general, not a good idea. Honey can contain spores of a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, which can germinate in a baby's immature digestive system and cause infant botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness
