Notes from the field: infant botulism caused by Clostridium baratii type F - Iowa, 2013

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Toxicology

Background:

• Infant botulism is a serious condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
• While types A and B are most common, other types of botulinum toxin can also cause illness.

Observation:

• A 9-day-old male infant presented with constipation, poor feeding, and respiratory failure.
• The infant rapidly deteriorated, becoming unresponsive and requiring intubation.

Findings:

• Preliminary stool studies identified botulinum toxin type F.
• Clostridium baratii type F was isolated from the infant's stool culture, confirming the diagnosis.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for rare botulinum toxin types, such as type F, to cause infant botulism.
• Early diagnosis and administration of Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) are crucial for managing infant botulism, even with less common toxin types.