INFANT BOTULISM - CASE-REPORT AND CLINICAL UPDATE

Infant botulism occurs in infants between 1 week and 11 months of age and results from the in vivo production of neurotoxin by Clostridium botulinum. The clinical spectrum ranges from asymptomatic carriers, through various degrees of paralysis, to sudden death. The classic clinical presentation is an afebrile child with constipation and generalized weakness manifested by poor head control, poor suck, and weak cry. Symptoms can progress to include cranial nerve palsies, respiratory arrest, and adynamic lleus. Treatment is supportive in an intensive care setting. Antibiotics and antitoxin are not indicated. The morbidity and mortality is less than 3% in hospitalized patients and complete recovery can be expected. The environmental and dietary factors associated with infection are discussed. © 1990.