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Infantile botulism: a case report and review
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|July 23, 2013
Summary
Infantile botulism, a serious condition in infants under 6 months, presents with vague symptoms like poor feeding and weakness. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with botulism immunoglobulin are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Toxicology
Background:
- Infantile botulism results from Clostridium botulinum spore ingestion, being the most common botulism form in the US.
- It predominantly affects infants under 6 months, often presenting with non-specific symptoms like hypotonia and poor feeding.
- This case highlights an infant presenting with decreased feeding and constipation, leading to an infantile botulism diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 4-month-old infant presented with a 6-day history of decreased feeding and 9 days of absent bowel movements.
- The infant exhibited progressive weakness, inability to hold his head up, decreased tone, and hypoactive bowel sounds.
- He required intubation and mechanical ventilation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed by positive botulinum toxin detected in stool samples.
- Treatment involved the administration of botulism immunoglobulin.
- The infant made a full recovery.
Implications:
- Increased clinical suspicion and awareness of infantile botulism symptoms are vital for early diagnosis.
- Prompt recognition and management can lead to favorable outcomes in affected infants.
- This case underscores the importance of considering botulism in infants with descending weakness and feeding difficulties.
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