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 factors:
Clostridium 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
Signs and tests:
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.
Review Date: 10/8/2007
Reviewed By: Deirdre O’Reilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Newborn Care
