What is infant botulism?

Infant botulism is a poisoning of the nervous system caused by a toxin produced by a specific spore forming bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. The bacterial spores gain entry into the infant's intestine through the mouth where they grow and produce the toxin. The toxin is absorbed into the bloodstream, and it travels to the nerve endings where it disrupts nerve signals to muscle tissue.

Who gets infant botulism?

Only infants less that one year of age get infant botulism. It most commonly affects infants at 3 weeks to 5 months of age.

How is infant botulism spread?

Clostridium botulinum bacteria and spores can be found in the soil and dust in New Jersey. Clostridium botulinum spores can also be found in honey. The bacterial spores get into the infant's mouth via the hands or through contaminated food where they are swallowed. The bacteria grow in the infant's intestine and produce toxin. Infant botulism is not spread from person-to- person.

What are the symptoms of infant botulism?

Infant botulism typically begins with constipation, followed by lethargy, listlessness, poor feeding, droopy eyelids, difficulty swallowing, loss of head control and generalized weakness (floppy baby).

How is infant botulism diagnosed?

Infant botulism is diagnosed by a culture of the stool for Clostridium botulinum bacteria and toxin.

What is the treatment for infant botulism?

There is no specific treatment recommended for infant botulism. The anti-toxin used for adults who have foodborne botulism does not work for infants and it may cause an allergic reaction in the infant. Most infants do, however, require supportive care in a hospital for several days. Most infants recover fully on their own within a few weeks, some however, may take several months to recover.

Is an infant with infant botulism infectious to other infants?

No. Infant botulism is not spread from infant-to-infant or person-to-person.

Is there a vaccine for infant botulism?

No.

How can infant botulism be prevented?

• Avoid feeding honey to infants