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[Infantile botulism caused by honey].
1H:S Rigshospitalet, Juliane Marie Centret, børneafdelingen.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|May 31, 2001
Summary
A 5-week-old infant experienced respiratory arrest after consuming honey, diagnosed as infant botulism. This severe condition, caused by Clostridium botulinum toxin, required prolonged mechanical ventilation for 7.5 months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Toxicology
Background:
- Infant botulism is a rare but serious neuroparalytic illness caused by the toxin of Clostridium botulinum.
- Honey is a known source of Clostridium botulinum spores, posing a risk to infants under one year of age.
Observation:
- A 5-week-old infant presented with acute respiratory arrest.
- The infant's diet included honey for two weeks prior to admission.
- Clinical suspicion of infant botulism was raised due to the presentation and history.
Findings:
- Laboratory confirmation of infant botulism was established.
- Clostridium botulinum toxin was detected in the infant's serum and fecal samples.
- The suspected source, honey, also tested positive for Clostridium botulinum toxin.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing infant botulism.
- This case highlights the importance of avoiding honey in the diet of infants due to botulism risk.
- Prolonged ventilatory support may be necessary in severe cases, emphasizing the potential long-term impact.