What Is Botulism?
Introduction
Botulism is a serious but rare infection that is caused by a bacterial poison (toxin). It usually affects babies who are 6 months of age or younger.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by a toxin that is produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The toxin develops when a baby swallows (ingests) these bacteria, which then settle in the gut and grow. These bacteria often come from dust and soil.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in infants who:
Are 6 months of age or younger.
Are exposed to soil or dust in the air.
Have eaten honey.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms and their severity depend on the amount of toxin ingested. Symptoms of this condition may include:
A weak cry.
A less expressive face.
Eating slowly or gagging.
Constipation.
Muscle weakness or floppiness that descends from the head downward.
Loss of head control.
Irritability.
Trouble breathing.
Seizures.
Drooling.
Usually, symptoms do not start for days to weeks after the child has ingested the bacteria.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam. A sample of your child's stool, blood, or vomit may also be tested for the toxin.
How is this treated?
This condition may be treated with:
Nutrition and fluids through an IV tube. This may be done if your child cannot swallow.
Breathing support from a tube or machine (ventilator).
Enemas or vomiting that is caused on purpose (induced). This may be done to treat constipation.
A medicine called antitoxin. Antibiotic medicines are also given along with antitoxin.
Most children are treated in the hospital.
Follow these instructions at home:
Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child's health care provider.
Keep any wounds clean and dry.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.
How is this prevented?
Do not give honey to your baby if he or she is younger than 12 months of age.
Avoid exposing your baby to a lot of dust, dirt, or unclean air.
Contact a health care provider if:
Your child's symptoms get worse.
Your child has new symptoms.
Your child's symptoms return.
Get help right away if:
Your baby has trouble breathing.
Your baby becomes weak or floppy.
Your baby has a less expressive face.
Your baby has a seizure.
Your baby has trouble swallowing.
Summary
Infant botulism is a serious but rare infection that is caused by a bacterial poison (toxin).
It usually affects babies who are 6 months of age or younger.
This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam.
Symptoms and their severity also depend on the amount of toxin ingested.
Antibiotics are given along with antitoxin.
Botulism is a serious but rare infection that is caused by a bacterial poison (toxin). It usually affects babies who are 6 months of age or younger.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by a toxin that is produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The toxin develops when a baby swallows (ingests) these bacteria, which then settle in the gut and grow. These bacteria often come from dust and soil.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in infants who:
Are 6 months of age or younger.
Are exposed to soil or dust in the air.
Have eaten honey.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms and their severity depend on the amount of toxin ingested. Symptoms of this condition may include:
A weak cry.
A less expressive face.
Eating slowly or gagging.
Constipation.
Muscle weakness or floppiness that descends from the head downward.
Loss of head control.
Irritability.
Trouble breathing.
Seizures.
Drooling.
Usually, symptoms do not start for days to weeks after the child has ingested the bacteria.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam. A sample of your child's stool, blood, or vomit may also be tested for the toxin.
How is this treated?
This condition may be treated with:
Nutrition and fluids through an IV tube. This may be done if your child cannot swallow.
Breathing support from a tube or machine (ventilator).
Enemas or vomiting that is caused on purpose (induced). This may be done to treat constipation.
A medicine called antitoxin. Antibiotic medicines are also given along with antitoxin.
Most children are treated in the hospital.
Follow these instructions at home:
Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child's health care provider.
Keep any wounds clean and dry.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.
How is this prevented?
Do not give honey to your baby if he or she is younger than 12 months of age.
Avoid exposing your baby to a lot of dust, dirt, or unclean air.
Contact a health care provider if:
Your child's symptoms get worse.
Your child has new symptoms.
Your child's symptoms return.
Get help right away if:
Your baby has trouble breathing.
Your baby becomes weak or floppy.
Your baby has a less expressive face.
Your baby has a seizure.
Your baby has trouble swallowing.
Summary
Infant botulism is a serious but rare infection that is caused by a bacterial poison (toxin).
It usually affects babies who are 6 months of age or younger.
This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam.
Symptoms and their severity also depend on the amount of toxin ingested.
Antibiotics are given along with antitoxin.