Infant botulism is the infectious intestinal form of botulism that occurs among persons 12 months of age or less, which is caused by ingestion or other exposure to a neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic, gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
Botulinum toxin causes weakness and loss of muscle tone. The illness often begins with constipation but is usually first noticed as difficulty feeding (sucking and swallowing), a weak and altered cry and diminished facial expressions. Signs of botulism may also be characterized as a “floppy baby” or floppy movements due to muscle weakness and descending paralysis. Other signs of infant botulism include excess drooling, drowsiness, drooping eyelids, and difficulty breathing.
Arizona usually sees 1 - 3 cases of infant botulism a year. Infant botulism is most often seen in infants less than 6 months of age and is associated with eating honey, home-canned vegetables and fruits, and corn syrup.
Arizona 5 year median: 2 cases
Transmission
Because C. botulinum forms spores, it can survive indefinitely under essentially any environmental condition.
Because C. botulinum forms spores, it can survive indefinitely under essentially any environmental condition.
Infant botulism occurs when a baby swallows the botulism spores and the spores grow to produce the toxin in the infant’s intestines. C. botulinum is not part of the patient’s normal, healthy bacteria that live in our bodies and will eventually stop being excreted in the infant’s feces.
Prevention for Patients
Infant botulism can be difficult to prevent because the bacteria that causes the disease is naturally found in soils and dust. The bacteria can be found inside homes on floors, carpet, and countertops, even after cleaning.
Infant botulism can be difficult to prevent because the bacteria that causes the disease is naturally found in soils and dust. The bacteria can be found inside homes on floors, carpet, and countertops, even after cleaning.
The only standard prevention measure for infant botulism is to avoid feeding honey to infants 12 months of age or less. Breastfeeding may slow the onset of illness if it develops.
Public Health Actions
CDC controls the distribution of botulinum antitoxin, which is stocked at U.S. Public Health Service Quarantine Stations throughout the country. Any healthcare provider considering antitoxin use must consult first with the Arizona Department of Health Services Infectious Disease Epidemiology staff after hours:
CDC controls the distribution of botulinum antitoxin, which is stocked at U.S. Public Health Service Quarantine Stations throughout the country. Any healthcare provider considering antitoxin use must consult first with the Arizona Department of Health Services Infectious Disease Epidemiology staff after hours:
Public health will conduct an epidemiological investigation on a case or suspect case.
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